Dive into the taste of Italy with this Vegan Tomato Basil Fettuccine recipe. It is a simple yet flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy. Made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and fettuccine, this vegan pasta dish brings out the essence of Italian cuisine in every bite.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in every home. However, fresh basil might not be as common. It's worth a trip to the supermarket because fresh basil really elevates the flavor of the dish. Also, if you like a bit of heat, don't forget to pick up some red pepper flakes.
Vegan Tomato Basil Fettuccine Ingredients
Fettuccine pasta: This is the base of our dish. Fettuccine is a type of pasta popular in Roman and Tuscan cuisine. Its flat, thick structure holds up well against hearty sauces.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and also adds a mild, fruity flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Adds a spicy, pungent kick.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick to the dish. Can be adjusted based on spice preference.
Tomato: The main component of our sauce. Fresh tomatoes can be used, but canned tomatoes also work just as well.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
Basil: Brings a fresh and peppery flavor, boosting the overall aroma of the dish.
One reader, Elisabeth Key says:
This vegan tomato basil fettuccine recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so fresh and vibrant. The combination of tomatoes and basil creates a delicious, light sauce that perfectly coats the fettuccine. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that I'll be making again and again.
Essential Techniques for Making Vegan Tomato Basil Fettuccine
How to cook fettuccine: Boil 4 quarts of water, add 1 tbsp of salt, and cook fettuccine for 12 minutes or according to the package directions.
How to make the tomato sauce: Heat olive oil in a wide skillet, add onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes, then cook until the onions are tender. Add flour, then tomatoes and salt, and cook until the sauce thickens and some liquid evaporates, about 8 minutes.
How to season the sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed until adequately seasoned.
How to serve: Plate the fettuccine and sauce, then garnish with fresh basil before serving.
How To Make Vegan Tomato Basil Fettuccine
This low-fat, vegan-friendly tomato basil fettuccine is a simple and refreshing pasta dish that’s packed with spice from red pepper flakes for a tasty meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1boxfettuccine pasta
- 3tbspolive oil
- ½onion,chopped
- 2garlic cloves
- 1tbspflour
- ¼tspred pepper flakes
- 2canstomato,diced, undrained
- ½tspsalt
- ½cupbasil,fresh chopped
Instructions
-
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. When boiling, add 1 tablespoon of of salt and cook the fettuccine for 12 minutes, or according to the package directions.
-
In a wide skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering. Add the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the onions are tender.
-
Add the flour and stir until combined. Add the tomatoes and the salt and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and some liquid has evaporated.
-
Drain the fettuccine and toss it with the sauce and fresh basil. Test for seasoning, and add salt and pepper as needed until sauce is adequately seasoned.
-
Plate and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 356.98kcal
- Fat: 8.03g
- Saturated Fat: 1.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.07g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.19g
- Carbohydrates: 60.10g
- Fiber: 3.43g
- Sugar: 3.49g
- Protein: 10.53g
- Sodium: 244.10mg
- Calcium: 36.89mg
- Potassium: 270.19mg
- Iron: 1.36mg
- Vitamin A: 13.52µg
- Vitamin C: 6.37mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Vegan Fettuccine Technique
When cooking the fettuccine, it's important to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Also, adding a bit of olive oil to the boiling water can help keep the pasta separate. For the tomato sauce, using fresh tomatoes can enhance the flavor but if they're not available, canned tomatoes are a good substitute. Just make sure to cook the sauce long enough for it to thicken and for the flavors to meld together. Lastly, always add the fresh basil towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor and color.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Vegan Pasta Recipe
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and equipment before you start cooking to streamline the process and avoid last-minute scrambling.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal cleanup by using one pot or pan for the entire dish.
Prep in bulk: Prepare large batches of ingredients like chopped vegetables or cooked grains to use in multiple recipes throughout the week.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets such as food processors, immersion blenders, and slow cookers to expedite meal preparation.
Make-ahead meals: Cook and store meals in advance, allowing you to simply reheat and enjoy when time is limited.
Efficient organization: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to easily locate ingredients and tools, saving precious minutes during meal prep.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegan Tomato Basil Fettuccine Recipe
fettuccine pasta - Substitute with gluten-free fettuccine: This substitute is suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or following a gluten-free diet.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar flavor profile and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle complexity to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with roasted garlic: Roasted garlic provides a deeper, sweeter flavor compared to raw garlic, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative to flour for thickening the sauce in the recipe.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a rich, smoky flavor and a subtle heat, complementing the dish's overall taste.
tomato - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh tomatoes, providing a consistent texture and flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can enhance the flavors in the dish and provide a more complex taste compared to regular table salt.
basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can add a vibrant, herbaceous flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients.
How to Beautifully Plate Vegan Tomato Basil Fettuccine
Elevate the fettuccine: Gently twirl the fettuccine into a nest-like shape using tongs, ensuring it is not overly compacted. This will create a visually appealing base for the sauce.
Garnish with basil chiffonade: Sprinkle delicate basil chiffonade over the fettuccine, adding a pop of vibrant green and a fresh aroma to the dish.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil: A light, artful drizzle of premium extra virgin olive oil will add a glossy sheen to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and imparting a subtle richness.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes: Carefully sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the dish for a touch of color and a hint of heat, creating a visually striking contrast.
Plate with precision: Use a wide, shallow bowl to plate the fettuccine, ensuring that the pasta is elegantly arranged and the sauce is evenly distributed, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Vegan Fettuccine
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Large pot: Used for boiling pasta and making sauces.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for sautéing and frying.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforated holes used for draining pasta and rinsing vegetables.
- Tongs: Used for flipping and turning food items while cooking.
- Grater: Used for grating cheese or vegetables.
- Wooden spoon: A versatile utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving.
- Garlic press: Used for crushing garlic cloves.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients.
- Potato masher: Used for mashing cooked tomatoes or other ingredients.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Vegan Tomato Basil Fettuccine
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for vegan tomato basil fettuccine:
- Allow the fettuccine to cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen fettuccine in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the sauce if needed.
- If you have leftover tomato basil sauce, it can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid repeatedly reheating and cooling the pasta. Consume within the recommended storage times for optimal quality.
The Best Way to Reheat Leftover Vegan Tomato Basil Fettuccine
To reheat leftover vegan tomato basil fettuccine, start by placing the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out during the reheating process. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through and steaming.
For a more even reheating, you can use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover fettuccine to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is thoroughly heated. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and the top to slightly crisp up.
If you prefer a stovetop method, reheat the vegan tomato basil fettuccine in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the skillet to prevent the pasta from sticking and to help reconstitute the sauce. Gently stir the pasta as it reheats, adding more liquid if needed, until it reaches your desired temperature and consistency.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a fresh drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or some freshly grated vegan parmesan cheese to the reheated pasta. These additions can help revive the flavors and make the leftover dish taste just as delicious as when it was first prepared.
If you find that the tomato basil sauce has thickened too much during storage, you can thin it out by stirring in a small amount of water, vegetable broth, or unsweetened plant-based milk during the reheating process. This will help restore the sauce's original consistency and ensure that the pasta is evenly coated.
Interesting Trivia About Vegan Tomato Basil Fettuccine
Fettuccine pasta is a type of pasta that is flat and wide, originating from Italy. It is commonly used in various Italian dishes and pairs well with a variety of sauces, making it a versatile ingredient in many recipes.
Is Making Vegan Tomato Basil Fettuccine at Home Cost-Effective?
This vegan tomato basil fettuccine recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as pasta, olive oil, onion, garlic, and canned tomatoes, are affordable and readily available. The dish offers a satisfying and flavorful meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $10. With a Verdict rating of 9, this recipe provides a budget-friendly and delicious option for a wholesome plant-based meal.
Is This Vegan Pasta Dish Healthy?
This vegan tomato basil fettuccine recipe is a relatively healthy option, as it incorporates whole grain pasta, vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil. The dish is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, making it a heart-friendly choice. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to enhance its nutritional value:
- The recipe relies heavily on canned tomatoes, which can be high in sodium. Using fresh tomatoes or low-sodium canned tomatoes would be a healthier alternative.
- While the dish contains some vegetables, such as onion and garlic, it could benefit from the addition of more nutrient-dense vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- The recipe lacks a significant source of protein, which is essential for a balanced meal.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for whole wheat or legume-based fettuccine to increase the fiber and protein content of the dish.
- Incorporate additional vegetables, such as sautéed spinach, grated zucchini, or diced bell peppers, to boost the nutrient profile and add more texture and flavor to the sauce.
- Include a plant-based protein source, such as cannellini beans, lentils, or tofu, to make the meal more satisfying and balanced.
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the recipe, or replace some of it with vegetable broth to lower the overall calorie content.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like oregano, thyme, or smoked paprika, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt.
Our Editor's Opinion on This Vegan Tomato Basil Fettuccine Recipe
The vegan tomato basil fettuccine recipe is a delightful combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. The use of fresh basil adds a fragrant and herbaceous note to the tangy tomato sauce, while the fettuccine provides a comforting and hearty base. The addition of red pepper flakes gives a subtle kick of heat, elevating the overall flavor profile. This recipe is a wonderful option for those seeking a delicious and wholesome vegan meal.
Why trust this Vegan Tomato Basil Fettuccine Recipe:
This recipe is a testament to the power of fresh ingredients. The combination of tomatoes and basil creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The use of olive oil and garlic infuses the dish with a rich and aromatic essence. The careful attention to detail in the cooking process ensures that the fettuccine pasta is perfectly al dente. With the addition of red pepper flakes, this dish offers a subtle kick of heat. Trust in the simplicity and authenticity of this recipe for a delightful dining experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
