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 (Field Roast brand); 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 (Violife brand)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 33 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and totally plant-based, you’ve landed in the right spot. This Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe is hands-down one of my go-to dishes when I want comfort food that feels indulgent but still wholesome. Creamy, savory, with just the right kick from chili flakes—it’s everything you want in a weeknight dinner and then some. Stick around and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make it foolproof in your kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

Rich, Creamy Texture: The coconut milk creates a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta.
Satisfying Umami Flavor: Vegan sausage adds depth and a meaty bite without compromising plant-based goals.
Freshness from Spinach: Baby spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition, balancing the creaminess beautifully.
Simplicity & Speed: You can whip this up in about 20 minutes—a total win on busy days.

Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach, vegan sausage pasta, plant-based creamy pasta, vegan comfort food, creamy vegan pasta recipes - 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 beauty of this Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe is in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients—they blend seamlessly to create a comforting, flavorful dish without a laundry list of extras. Plus, most components are pantry staples or easily found in the vegan section at your grocery store.

Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach, vegan sausage pasta, plant-based creamy pasta, vegan comfort food, creamy vegan pasta recipes - 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: I love using penne or rigatoni because their shape catches the sauce so well.
Italian vegan sausage: Field Roast is my favorite for authentic flavor; chop or slice depending on your texture preference.
Olive oil: The base for cooking that adds a subtle fruity richness.
Sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth after sautéing.
Garlic: Essential for that savory backbone.
Red pepper chili flakes: Just enough heat to make things interesting—adjust to your liking.
Canned coconut milk: The secret to creamy without dairy – full fat for richness, light for a lighter bite.
Water: Thins the sauce slightly for perfect consistency.
Salt: To taste – enhances every other flavor.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness, nutritional boost, and a lovely green pop.
Vegan parmesan cheese: I swear by Violife, it melts and adds umami like the real thing.

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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 Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe is how adaptable it is. Over time, I’ve experimented with small tweaks that make it just right for my mood or whatever’s in the pantry. You should definitely make it your own and don’t be afraid to try variations!

Kale swap: When I’m out of spinach, I use baby kale for a bit more bite and nutrition—it still wilts nicely without overpowering the sauce.
Homemade sausage option: I once made a tempeh-based sausage inspired by a pizza recipe, and it was a total hit—adds a custom flavor profile if you’re up for a little extra prep.
Milk alternatives: If coconut isn’t your jam, soy or cashew cream works well, just make sure they’re unsweetened and unflavored to keep the savory vibe.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your short cut pasta according to the package’s directions—usually about 9-12 minutes for al dente. I always taste test a couple minutes before the package suggests so I can catch the exact texture I like. Once cooked, drain well and set aside. Pro tip: reserve a cup of pasta water before draining in case you want to loosen your sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté Sausage and Aromatics

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your sliced vegan sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Stir everything around for about 5 minutes, keeping an eye out for the onions turning translucent and the sausage browning just right. This step builds the base flavor—you want that caramelization—it makes a huge difference!

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce and Wilt the Spinach

Lower the heat to low, pour in your canned coconut milk and water, and give it a stir. Toss in the baby spinach and gently cook until it just wilts, usually 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt as you go; this is where the sauce starts to come together and show off its creamy richness.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Finish with Vegan Parmesan

Add the drained pasta back into your pan and mix everything gently but thoroughly so each pasta piece gets coated. Finally, sprinkle in your vegan parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, rounding out the flavors and adding that cheesy finish without dairy. Serve up immediately and prepare for yum.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: I like it just al dente so it holds up nicely when mixed with the sauce without getting mushy.
Brown the Sausage Well: Getting a good sear on the vegan sausage amps up the flavor and gives texture contrast that’s super satisfying.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water works wonders to loosen it without diluting flavor.
Add Cheese Last: Stir in vegan parmesan at the very end on low heat so it melts without clumping, giving you a silky, smooth finish.

How to Serve Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach, vegan sausage pasta, plant-based creamy pasta, vegan comfort food, creamy vegan pasta recipes - 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 usually top mine with extra vegan parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper for that little bite on the nose. Sometimes, if I’ve got fresh basil or parsley hanging around, a few leaves make it look and taste next-level fresh. You could even add toasted pine nuts for crunch if you feel fancy.

Side Dishes

This pasta stands well on its own, but on occasion I’ll pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crunchy garlic bread made vegan-style—that combo just transports me to a cozy trattoria vibe every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving it in deep, rustic bowls with sprigs of fresh herbs on top and maybe a drizzle of chili oil for extra zing. It’s a simple dish that really shines when plated with a bit of thoughtful flair. Plus, it makes everyone feel like you went the extra mile without tons of effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach in an airtight container in the fridge. It holds up really well for 3-4 days, making excellent next-day lunches. The flavors actually deepen overnight—bonus!

Freezing

I have frozen this pasta a couple of times when I made extra batches. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the texture softens a bit, but if you’re in a pinch and reheat gently with a splash of plant milk, it’s still a comforting meal.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of coconut milk to refresh the creaminess. Avoid microwaving too long or on high to prevent drying out. Stir often to keep the sauce silky and evenly warmed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I prefer short cut pasta like penne because it holds the sauce well, feel free to use spaghetti, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta according to your preference or dietary needs.
Is the coconut milk flavor strong in the sauce?

Not at all! The combination of garlic, vegan sausage, and parmesan balances the coconut milk’s subtle flavor so it tastes more creamy than coconutty. Using light coconut milk can tone it down even further if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes! You can sauté the sausage and veggies in a bit of water or vegetable broth instead of olive oil. Just watch the pan carefully to prevent sticking or burning during cooking.
What’s the best vegan sausage brand to use?

Field Roast is my top pick—they have a nice texture and bold flavor that really shines in this pasta. However, brands like Beyond Meat or Tofurky can also work well depending on what you have available.
Can I add more vegetables to this pasta?

Totally! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini during the sautéing step to boost the veggie factor without overwhelming the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it hits that sweet spot of indulgence and nourishment. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet comforting enough to feel like a special treat. I hope you’ll give it a try and maybe even find your own favorite tweaks. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be one of those recipes you keep coming back to for easy, satisfying meals with zero fuss.