Name: Creamy & Flavorful 15-Minute Vegan Sauce for Pasta or Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 can diced tomatoes w/ chiles ((~14.5oz)); 1 can coconut milk ((full fat, ~13.5oz)); 8 oz mushrooms (sliced); 2 cups bell pepper (chopped); 3 cloves minced garlic; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried basil ((or a handful of fresh basil)); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast; 1 Tbsp tomato paste

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Looking for a quick and tasty way to transform your pasta or rice into a satisfying meal? We’ve got you covered with this vibrant Creamy & Flavorful 15-Minute Vegan Sauce! It’s loaded with fresh vegetables, creamy coconut milk, and a kick of spice, creating a delicious dairy-free option for your favorite dishes.

This easy vegan sauce is ready in just 15 minutes, bringing a twist to your usual tomato sauce that’s not only creamy and comforting but also absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Sauce

Versatile and Delicious: This vegan sauce is a game-changer! It works perfectly as a vegan sauce for pasta, a topping for rice bowls, stir-fries, or even as a dressing for salads.
Quick and Easy: This easy vegan sauce comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights when you need something tasty in a flash.
Healthy and Creamy: Thanks to the coconut milk and fresh vegetables, this sauce is creamy without being heavy, bringing a satisfying richness to any dish you pair it with.
Unique Flavor: This isn’t your everyday tomato sauce. It’s a delicious vegan sauce with a twist, packed with spices and flavors that will keep your taste buds guessing in the best way possible!

The Health Benefits of This Vegan Sauce

This delicious vegan sauce gets much of its creamy texture from canned coconut milk, which provides a rich base without overwhelming the dish with a coconut flavor. Coconut milk adds healthy fats that make the sauce extra comforting, giving it a creamy, cheese-like texture, while still being light on your stomach.

Diced tomatoes with chiles bring a flavorful punch to this vegan sauce, adding a hint of spice that makes it a perfect companion for both pasta and rice dishes. Tomatoes are also a great source of antioxidants, such as lycopene, which helps support heart health and boost your immune system.

Ingredients You Need

can diced tomatoes w/ chiles (~14.5oz)
1 can coconut milk (full fat, ~13.5oz)
mushrooms, sliced
bell pepper, chopped
minced garlic
onion powder
garlic powder
dried basil (or a handful of fresh basil)
salt
black pepper
nutritional yeast
tomato paste

How to Make Creamy & Flavorful 15-Minute Vegan Sauce for Pasta or Rice

Heat a skillet on medium. After it’s hot add 1 Tbsp of water, and add the mushrooms, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for 4-5 minutes stirring often.
Add remaining ingredients to the skillet and cook on medium-low for another 5 minutes.
The sauce goes great on pasta or rice.

Variations to Try

Extra Spicy: Like a bit more heat? Add some red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to kick things up a notch.
More Veggies: Boost the veggie content by stirring in spinach, kale, or zucchini toward the end of the cooking process.
Zesty Freshness: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or lime juice to brighten up the flavors and cut through the richness of the sauce.
Nutrient-Rich Twist: For an even creamier texture, mix in a spoonful of almond or cashew butter.
Umami Boost: Stir in a dash of soy sauce or tamari to add a savory, umami depth that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

FAQs About This Vegan Sauce

Can I prepare this vegan sauce in advance?
Yes! This delicious vegan sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to use.

Is there an alternative to coconut milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute the coconut milk with cashew cream or another plant-based milk with a higher fat content to keep that creamy consistency.

What other dishes can I use this vegan sauce with?
This versatile vegan sauce is not just limited to pasta or rice. It also makes a fantastic salad dressing, dip for veggies, or even a topping for baked potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy & Flavorful 15-Minute Vegan Sauce is a quick, easy way to turn pasta, rice, or even salads into something extraordinary. It’s creamy, loaded with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a little comfort. Give it a try and see how this delicious sauce transforms your meals!

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