Name: Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces uncooked short cut pasta; 1 package (13 ounces) Italian vegan sausage, sliced or chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped small; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon red pepper chili flakes; 13.5 ounce can coconut milk, light or full fat; 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 5 ounces baby spinach; 3/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 12 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful meal that still feels fresh and light, you’ve got to try my Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—a luscious, creamy sauce that’s entirely plant-based, savory vegan sausage pieces nestled among tender pasta, and bursts of vibrant spinach. Plus, it comes together in about 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight winner. Let me walk you through why this recipe is so great and share some tips to make sure your version turns out fabulous!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Creaminess: The coconut milk creates a dreamy, silky sauce that binds everything beautifully without dairy.
Flavorful Vegan Sausage: Using a good Italian vegan sausage adds that savory, spiced punch that makes this pasta seriously crave-worthy.
Brightness from Spinach: The fresh baby spinach adds vibrant color, wholesome nutrition, and just the right touch of freshness to balance the richness.
Super Speedy and Easy: From start to finish, it’s about 20 minutes, making it a fantastic meal to whip up after work or whenever you want comfort food fast.

Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach, vegan pasta recipes, plant-based sausage pasta, quick vegan dinner ideas, dairy-free creamy pasta - This image shows a close-up of a black skillet filled with farfalle pasta mixed with small pieces of light brown cooked meat and green spinach leaves. The pasta is creamy lightly coated, with some grated white cheese sprinkled over the top, and a few tiny red flakes scattered throughout. The pasta shapes look soft, with the meat pieces mixed evenly around, and the spinach adds fresh green touches between the layers of pasta. The skillet sits on a smooth dark surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe come together with ease but punch well above their weight in flavor and texture. When picking your ingredients, try to get a quality vegan sausage that’s seasoned well—trust me, it makes a world of difference!

Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach, vegan pasta recipes, plant-based sausage pasta, quick vegan dinner ideas, dairy-free creamy pasta - Flat lay of sliced Italian vegan sausage with a rich brown sear, fresh baby spinach leaves in vibrant green, chopped sweet onion pieces in pale purple and white, minced garlic cloves with their creamy off-white texture, bright red chili flakes scattered naturally, a smooth can of light coconut milk with creamy white swirls visible, short cut pasta in a soft yellow tone with a slightly matte finish, and a small mound of grated vegan parmesan cheese in delicate off-white shreds, all beautifully arranged with contrasting colors and textures placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Short cut pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or any sturdy short pasta works great to catch the creamy sauce.
Italian vegan sausage: I love using Field Roast brand for its robust flavor and great texture.
Olive oil: Adds a nice depth and helps cook the sausage and aromatics evenly.
Sweet onion: Brings a mild, natural sweetness that balances the spices.
Garlic: Essential for adding that savory fragrance that elevates every bite.
Red pepper chili flakes: Just a pinch to add a subtle warm kick without overpowering.
Coconut milk (light or full fat): Acts as the creamy base; full fat for richness, light for a lighter sauce.
Water: Thins the sauce perfectly so it coats the pasta without being too thick or greasy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors – don’t skip or under-season.
Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and freshness, wilting beautifully into the sauce.
Vegan parmesan cheese: Violife brand gives that cheesy umami you want without any dairy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Depending on your mood or what you have on hand, you can customize the creaminess, spice, or green elements to suit your cravings.

Spice level: I sometimes up the chili flakes for a bolder heat, but keep it mild if you’re serving kids or prefer a gentle warmth.
Greens swap: Tried baby kale before? It adds a lovely earthiness—but don’t skip washing it really well.
Sausage choice: For a homemade twist, I’ve used my tempeh sausage from another recipe and loved the fresh flavors it adds.
Coconut milk type: Full fat makes the sauce decadent, but light coconut milk is perfect if you want something less heavy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Perfectly

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente—you want it tender but with a bit of bite because it will absorb the sauce later. I always salt my pasta water generously; it’s the first layer of seasoning that makes all the difference. Once cooked, drain and set aside, but don’t rinse—that starch helps your sauce cling.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage and Aromatics

While the pasta’s cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in your sliced or chopped vegan sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes—or until your onions turn translucent and the sausage browns beautifully. This step builds your flavor foundation, so don’t rush it! Stir occasionally to get even browning without burning the garlic.

Step 3: Bring in the Creamy Sauce & Spinach

Lower the heat once everything looks good and pour in your coconut milk and water. Stir to combine, then toss in your baby spinach. It’s magic watching the spinach wilt down quickly, adding freshness and bright green color. Let this simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors meld. Taste and season with salt—you’ll want to be generous here to bring out the sauce’s full depth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta & Finish with Vegan Cheese

Once your sauce is ready and the spinach is wilted, add your drained pasta back to the pan. Stir it all together until the creamy sauce coats every piece. Finally, sprinkle in your vegan parmesan cheese and fold it through for an umami boost that ties everything perfectly. Serve piping hot and get ready for some serious “mmm” moments!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Always check a minute or two before the package time to avoid mushy pasta since it’ll cook more in the sauce.
Brown the Sausage Well: Browning adds those lovely caramelized flavors that make the dish extra tasty—be patient!
Season Gradually and Taste: I always season in stages, tasting as I go to hit the right salt balance, especially with vegan sausage brands varying in saltiness.
Use Fresh Spinach Last-Minute: Add spinach right before serving to keep it vibrant and prevent it from becoming mushy and too dark.

How to Serve Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach, vegan pasta recipes, plant-based sausage pasta, quick vegan dinner ideas, dairy-free creamy pasta - A black cast iron pan filled with three layers of farfalle pasta, chopped brown mushrooms, and green leafy spinach mixed evenly throughout. The pasta is light yellow, the mushrooms are scattered in chunks adding a rough texture, and the spinach adds bright green pops of color. There is a light sprinkling of grated white cheese and red chili flakes on top, adding small specks of texture and color contrast. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a woman's hand holding a wooden spoon inside the pan, slightly lifting the pasta to show its mixed layers photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish this pasta off with a little extra vegan parmesan on top and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for depth. Sometimes, a few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil on top adds a lovely fresh note that makes each bite feel fancy yet homey.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but if you’re feeling like adding a side, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly to cut through the richness. Toasty garlic bread or crunchy roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts are great companions too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes plate this pasta in shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh thyme on top and a dusting of smoked paprika for color. It looks super inviting and feels a little special without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep well for up to 3 days. Sometimes the pasta soaks up a bit of the sauce overnight, so I add a splash of plant milk or water when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This recipe freezes decently, though I recommend freezing the pasta and sauce separately when possible. The coconut milk-based sauce can solidify, so thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with some liquid added to keep creaminess intact.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water or non-dairy milk, stirring frequently for even warming and to revive the creamy texture. Microwave works too—just remember to stir halfway through!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of vegan sausage?

Absolutely! Just make sure the sausage has good seasoning and texture since it’s a star ingredient. You can swap brands or try homemade options like tempeh sausage to suit what you have.
Is there a substitute for coconut milk?

You can use unsweetened soy, cashew, or oat milk creamers as non-coconut alternatives. Just keep them unsweetened and unflavored to maintain the savory balance of the sauce.
Can I make this pasta gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free short pasta, and double-check that your vegan sausage is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers to keep them fresh?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days. Add a bit of water or plant milk when reheating to bring back creaminess and avoid dryness.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini all make great additions. Just sauté them with the onions and sausage to build extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe is one of my go-to comfort meals that never gets old. Its rich creaminess paired with those savory sausage bites and fresh spinach hits that perfect balance I crave after a busy day. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it—it’s simple, satisfying, and bound to become a staple in your kitchen too. Grab your pan, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with pasta all over again!