This creamy tomato sauce is what happens when a jar of marinara decides to live its best life. Silky, garlicky, and just the right amount of indulgent, it transforms pasta, ravioli, and more from ordinary to irresistible!
This creamy tomato sauce feels like it came straight out of a cozy, candlelit Italian kitchen—but the secret? It starts with a humble jar of marinara and just a few simple pantry staples that take it to the next level. Roasted garlic adds a buttery, caramelized depth, and a splash of coconut milk makes it creamy and velvety without a hint of dairy. It’s the kind of sauce that takes any pasta—from homemade ravioli to the box of spaghetti in your pantry—into something extra special. It’s so easy, you may never settle for plain jarred sauce again!
And here’s where it really shines: vegan meal prep. Roast the garlic, simmer away, and let it chill in the fridge while the flavors mingle and deepen. When dinner time rolls around, you’re already halfway there—just boil some pasta, grab this creamy tomato sauce, and let it do its thing. It’s dinner made easy, special, and downright delicious. That jar of marinara? Consider it officially upgraded.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
Not all pasta sauces are created equal, and this one? It’s got main-character energy. Think roasted garlic, a splash of creamy coconut milk, and a jar of marinara brought to its full potential. It’s simple, it’s flavorful, and it’s the sauce you didn’t know your weeknights were missing. Here’s why you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket:
- Roasted Garlic = Life: Let’s just say roasted garlic makes everything better, and this sauce is no exception. It adds a buttery, caramelized depth that makes you wonder why you haven’t been roasting garlic your whole life.
- Pantry-Friendly Perfection: A jar of marinara, a can of coconut milk, and a few pantry staples are all you need to whip this up. Fancy vibes, zero stress.
- Meal Prep Gold: Make it ahead, stash it in the fridge, and let the flavors mingle. By the time you pull it out, it’s like the sauce has leveled up overnight. Dinner = basically done.
- More Than Just Pasta: Yes, it’s amazing tossed with spaghetti, but it also does some serious heavy lifting as a pizza base, a dipping sauce, or a drizzle over ravioli.
- Dairy-Free Without Compromise: Coconut milk steps in where heavy cream usually takes over, creating a rich, velvety texture—no dairy required and no coconut flavor left behind.
Key Ingredients
This creamy tomato sauce is proof that simple ingredients can do extraordinary things when they come together. Each one plays a starring role in creating a sauce that’s rich, garlicky, and downright luxurious. Let’s take a closer look at them and what they do:
- Garlic: Roasted garlic isn’t just an ingredient—it’s a full-blown flavor transformation. Once roasted, those golden cloves turn buttery, sweet, and mellow, adding a deep, caramelized magic that makes you wonder why you don’t roast garlic every single day.
- Olive Oil: Don’t underestimate the power of a good drizzle of olive oil. It’s the foundation that softens the shallots, caramelizes the tomatoes, and ties the entire sauce together with its smooth, rich flavor.
- Shallots: Think of shallots as onions’ sweeter, more sophisticated cousin. They sauté into soft, aromatic perfection, creating a gentle base that lets the garlic and tomatoes really shine.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These juicy little flavor bombs bring a fresh, slightly sweet tang that balances the creaminess of the sauce. When they hit the heat, they soften just enough to add a subtle brightness to every bite.
- Jarred Marinara Sauce: This is where convenience meets creativity. Start with a high-quality marinara—one with simple ingredients—and let the rest of the recipe work its magic. It’s the shortcut that delivers big flavor without the extra steps.
- Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds richness to this sauce while keeping it completely dairy-free—it’s your secret weapon for creamy, plant-based cooking.
- Basil: Nothing brings a sauce to life quite like fresh basil. Stir it in at the end for a pop of color and an herbal finish that takes the whole dish to the next level.
- Nutritional Yeast: A sprinkle of this nutty, cheesy goodness is the plant-based finishing touch that pulls everything together. It’s like the umami-rich vegan secret weapon you didn’t know you needed.
How To Make The Best Creamy Tomato Sauce
Making this creamy tomato sauce is all about simple steps that deliver big, bold flavor. Roasting the garlic does most of the heavy lifting, while the rest comes together quickly on the stovetop. Here’s what you’ll do. For full recipe details, scroll to the end of this post!
- Step 1: Roast your garlic to golden perfection. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Slice the top off one head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap it in foil. Place it in the oven and roast for 30-40 minutes until the cloves are soft, golden, and caramelized. Let it cool, then gently squeeze out the cloves—it’s buttery garlic magic.
Pro Tip: Roast Extra Garlic
- Step 2: Sauté your aromatics. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the shallots and let them cook until they’re soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and sauté until they start to burst and soften, releasing all that sweet, tangy goodness.
- Step 3: Build the base. Stir in your favorite jar of marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Mash half (or all) of that roasted garlic into the sauce, letting it melt right in. This is where the flavor magic really happens.
- Step 4: Make it creamy. Add the full-fat coconut milk 1/4 cup at a time, stirring after each addition, and taste as you go. Stop when the sauce reaches your desired level of creaminess—it’s your call! Let the sauce gently warm through, but avoid boiling to keep the flavors smooth and balanced. This is where everything comes together in velvety harmony.
- Step 5: Finish strong. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the fresh basil and nutritional yeast. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Get ready to serve up the sauce that will make all your pasta dreams come true.
Pasta Pro Move:
Delicious Ways To Serve This Creamy Tomato Pasta Sauce
This creamy tomato sauce isn’t just a pasta companion—it’s a whole mood. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, it has the range to make everything taste better. Here’ are all the ways to bring it to life in your kitchen:’s how to use it:
- Classic Pasta Pairings: Toss it with spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or a handful of spinach or vegan farm if you’re feeling fancy.
- Ravioli Heaven: Spoon it over stuffed ravioli or tortellini for the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but takes no extra effort. Be sure to check out my plant-based ravioli guide for best brands and recipes! Want to make your own homemade ravioli? Check out my step-by-step guide here!
- Layered Perfection: Use it as a base for lasagna, baked ziti, or a cozy pasta bake. The creamy texture makes every layer extra dreamy.
- Pizza Night Upgrade: Swap it in as a sauce for homemade pizza or flatbreads. Pair it with roasted veggies, vegan cheese, or fresh basil for a next-level pie.
- Dip Game Strong: Serve it warm with a loaf of crusty bread or quick homemade focaccia for dipping—it’s comfort food at its best.
FAQs
Absolutely! This sauce is a meal prep dream. Roast the garlic, make the sauce, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bonus: the flavors get even better as it sits! You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Not at all! The coconut milk adds creaminess without overpowering the flavor. Roasted garlic and marinara sauce balance everything out, so all you’ll taste is rich, velvety, tomato-y goodness.
If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water or vegetable broth to thin it out while keeping it creamy and flavorful. If you prefer it thicker, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce. It’s totally customizable to your taste!
More Creamy Vegan Sauces You’ll Love
- Easy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- Vegan Alfredo Sauce
- Creamy Pasta with Vegan Scallops
- Easy Vegan Fire Noodles
If you tried this creamy tomato sauce recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a star rating and a comment below—it helps me improve and helps others find this recipe too.
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Creamy Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy tomato sauce is like a cozy little hug for your pasta. Roasted garlic and coconut milk take a humble jar of marinara to dreamy, velvety new heights, with fresh basil bringing that perfect pop of flavor. Whether it’s spaghetti, ravioli, or just a warm loaf of bread for dipping, this sauce has your back.
Ingredients
for the garlic
- 1 head of garlic*
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
for the sauce
- 1 cup shallots, thinly sliced
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, cut chiffonade
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
* feel free to roast two heads of garlic if you want extra for other applications
Instructions
to roast the garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove the loose, papery skin around the head of garlic but leave the heads intact. Slice off the very top to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the head of garlic, wrap in foil, and place in a baking dish. Roast for 30-40 minutes, until the tops are golden and the clove is soft and caramelized.
- Let cool completely, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins and set aside.
to make the sauce
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté until soft and golden. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Add the marinara sauce and warm through. Lightly mash the roasted garlic and stir it into the sauce.
- Add half of the coconut milk, stir gently, and let it warm through (don’t boil). Taste and add the rest if you’d like it creamier. Remove from heat and stir in the basil and nutritional yeast.
- Serve with your favorite pasta and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It just gets better as the flavors hang out and mingle.
- Reheat: Gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens up in the fridge, just add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to its velvety self.
- Freeze: This sauce is a freezer’s best friend! Portion it into small containers or freezer bags, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.
- Cooking Tips: Want to take it up a notch? Save some pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for loosening up the sauce and helping it cling to every noodle. And don’t skip the fresh basil at the end—it’s the final flourish that makes this sauce pop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmered, Roasted
- Cuisine: American, Italian
