Where are all my pasta lovers?! If you’re craving a simple, flavor-packed, and comforting dish, this tomato basil pasta is about to become your new obsession. With a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, perfectly cooked rotini, and crunchy chickpeas for a crispy twist, this dish is the perfect combination of texture and taste. The best part? It’s easy to make, totally plant-based, and it’s so easy to customize based on what you’ve got on hand.
This tomato basil pasta is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together for a restaurant-worthy meal.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the onions and mushrooms for about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
Stir in dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and coconut sugar. Add vegan butter and cook for a minute.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and water, then let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to an hour, depending on how deep you want the flavor.
While the sauce is simmering, cook your rotini pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Save some pasta water for the sauce if needed.
Stir in fresh basil and spinach, then mix in the cooked pasta until well coated.
Plate your tomato basil pasta and top it with crispy chickpeas and extra fresh basil for that extra crunch and flavor.
This basil pasta recipe is already packed with flavor, but it’s super easy to customize based on what you love! If you’re craving something extra creamy, try stirring in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream. Looking for more protein? Toss in some grilled chicken or tofu to make it even more satiating. For those who love a little heat, amp up the spice by adding extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
If texture is your thing, sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, or extra crispy chickpeas for the perfect finishing touch. And if you’re gluten-free, simply swap out the pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative—it’s just as delicious!
This chickpea tomato basil pasta is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or whenever you need something quick, delicious, and satisfying. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe when you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels special. The rich garlic, fresh basil, and slow-simmered tomatoes create a deep, savory flavor that’s both comforting and fresh. Plus, it’s completely plant-based, packed with fiber and nutrients, and can easily be adjusted to fit your preferences. Whether you switch up the pasta, add extra greens, or toss in some protein, this recipe is endlessly customizable and always delicious.
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s that good!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep it fresh. Keep the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and you’ll have an easy, ready-to-go meal. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil and warm it up in a skillet over medium heat to bring back its original texture and taste. While cooked pasta doesn’t freeze well, the tomato basil sauce can be frozen separately for up to 3 months, so you can always have a batch on hand for a quick and delicious meal!
If you loved this tomato basil pasta recipe, here are a few more pasta recipes you’ll want to make next:
Welcome to Claire Bear Bites! Here is where we have the most amount of fun with food. I’m an silly, quirky Aussie living in LA, creating and loving bright, colorful, healthy and delicious plant forward meals.
This deliciously colorful meals are a direct reflection of me and my love for experimenting. Food should make you happy, smile and make you do a weird lil happy dance cause it taste so dang good. Life can be stressful but your food doesn’t need to be! Let’s have fun and eat the rainbow!
Welcome to Claire Bear Bites! Here is where we have the most amount of fun with food. I’m an silly, quirky Aussie living in LA, creating and loving bright, colorful, healthy and delicious plant forward meals.
This deliciously colorful meals are a direct reflection of me and my love for experimenting. Food should make you happy, smile and make you do a weird lil happy dance cause it taste so dang good. Life can be stressful but your food doesn’t need to be! Let’s have fun and eat the rainbow!
