Name: Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
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· 4.7 from 67 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, rich, and totally plant-based meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try my Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe. Trust me, this recipe has quickly become one of my favorites for weeknights when I want something filling but fuss-free. It’s packed with savory vegan sausage, silky coconut cream sauce, vibrant greens, and just the right touch of spice – perfect for anyone who loves creamy pasta but wants it without dairy.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy yet Light: Using coconut milk gives the pasta a velvety texture without the heaviness of dairy cream.
Flavorful Vegan Sausage: The Italian vegan sausage brings an irresistible smoky, spicy kick that elevates the whole dish.
Nutrition-packed Greens: Fresh baby spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness that balances the richness perfectly.
Simple and Quick: From start to finish, it’s a fast recipe that delivers gourmet vibes with minimum effort.

Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach, vegan pasta recipes, plant-based creamy pasta, vegan sausage dinner, easy vegan pasta dishes - 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

This Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe uses ingredients that play off each other beautifully — the sausage gives meaty depth, the coconut milk brings smoothness, and fresh spinach keeps things vibrant and fresh. When shopping, look for a good-quality vegan Italian sausage and fresh baby spinach for the best results.

Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach, vegan pasta recipes, plant-based creamy pasta, vegan sausage dinner, easy vegan pasta dishes - 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 like penne or rigatoni for their texture — they hold onto the sauce well.
Italian vegan sausage: Field Roast is my go-to, but any flavorful brand works; slice or chop based on your preference.
Olive oil: For sautéing — adds a fruity depth without overpowering flavors.
Sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness and balances the spice from the chili flakes.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that essential aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
Red pepper chili flakes: Adds heat and warmth, but adjust to your spice tolerance.
Coconut milk: Use light for a lighter dish or full fat for indulgence; it’s the key to that luscious sauce.
Water: Helps thin out the coconut milk slightly, making the sauce perfect for coating pasta.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors — always season to taste.
Baby spinach: Wilts quickly and keeps the dish fresh and green.
Vegan parmesan cheese: I usually use Violife for that cheesy, nutty finish that ties it all together.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe my own depending on mood and what’s in the fridge. Feel free to tweak the spice levels or swap out greens. This recipe really encourages playing around, so don’t be shy!

Make It Spicier: Once, I added extra red pepper flakes and a pinch of smoked paprika — it gave the dish an addictive smoky heat that I totally loved.
Greens Swap: If you’re not a spinach fan, baby kale works perfectly and adds a bit more texture.
Homemade Sausage: I’ve even tried making my own tempeh sausage from scratch — if you’re up for it, it’s a delicious homemade twist!
Dairy-Free Twist: For a coconut-free sauce, try unsweetened soy or cashew creamers; it changes the flavor a bit but stays creamy and dreamy.

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

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Al Dente

First up, get your pasta boiling in a large pot of salted water. Cooking it al dente is key here — you want that slight bite because it’ll soak up the creamy sauce beautifully later on without turning mushy. Follow the package instructions carefully, but I usually shave off 1-2 minutes from the max time, then taste to check. Drain and set aside while you prep the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Sausage, Onion & Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large pan on medium-high. Toss in your sliced or chopped vegan sausage, diced onions, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until the onions turn translucent and the sausage starts to brown. This step is where the foundational flavors build — don’t rush it! The browning adds a smoky character that you’ll thank yourself for later.

Step 3: Stir in the Creamy Coconut Milk & Spinach

Turn the heat down to low, then pour in your coconut milk and water. Stir well and add the fresh baby spinach right away. Cook for a few minutes more until the spinach wilts down and all the flavors marry together. This creates that signature creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. Season with salt to your liking, tasting as you go.

Step 4: Combine Pasta & Sauce, Then Finish with Vegan Parmesan

Add your drained pasta back into the pan and gently toss everything to combine. The pasta absorbs the sauce’s creaminess and picks up the sausage’s flavor. Lastly, sprinkle in the vegan parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, enriching the dish with slightly nutty, cheesy notes. Serve it hot and get ready to enjoy!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keeping the pasta al dente gives your dish the perfect texture to balance the creamy sauce.
Brown the Sausage Properly: This adds tons of depth — take your time sautéing for that irresistible caramelization.
Season Gradually: Add salt little by little, since vegan sausages and vegan cheese can already be salty.
Wilt Greens Last: Adding spinach right before combining keeps it tender but not soggy.

How to Serve Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach, vegan pasta recipes, plant-based creamy pasta, vegan sausage dinner, easy vegan pasta dishes - 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 love topping this pasta with a little extra vegan parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for added kick. Sometimes I add chopped fresh basil or parsley when I want a burst of herbaceous freshness. A drizzle of good olive oil at the end never hurts either – it just makes everything glisten and taste a little more decadent.

Side Dishes

When serving, I often pair this creamy vegan sausage pasta with a simple mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Some roasted seasonal veggies — like asparagus or Brussels sprouts — also make fantastic sides and round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner guests or special occasions, I try plating this pasta in shallow bowls sprinkled with toasted pine nuts or hemp seeds for crunch. Serving alongside crusty vegan garlic bread or in charming ramekins has impressed friends more than once! It’s the little details that make it feel wow-worthy but still cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce over time, so before reheating, I like to add a splash of plant-based milk or water to loosen it back up and keep it creamy.

Freezing

While freezing creamy pasta dishes isn’t always ideal, I’ve had good results freezing this Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe when wrapped tightly and stored in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this dish is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of coconut milk or water to bring back that saucy creaminess. Microwaving works too, but stir midway to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta in this Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pastas like brown rice, corn, or chickpea varieties work well here. Just be sure to cook according to the package directions as some gluten-free pastas have different cooking times and textures.
What vegan sausages are best for this recipe?

I personally love Field Roast Italian style vegan sausages because they have a great texture and bold flavor, but Beyond Meat sausages or homemade tempeh sausages also work wonderfully. Choose a brand that you enjoy eating on its own, as it’s the star flavor here.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, it’s nut-free as written. Just double-check your vegan parmesan cheese to avoid any nut ingredients if you have allergies. You can also omit or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Is the coconut flavor strong in this Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe?

Not at all – using light coconut milk softens the coconut flavor, and the spices plus sausage dominate the dish’s taste. If you want to tone down coconut even more, try a neutral plant-based creamer alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe has become one of those dishes I recommend to just about everyone who loves cozy, flavorful meals — whether you’re fully plant-based or just looking to try something new. I love how it’s quick but still feels indulgent, with that perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and freshness. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite sausage or greens, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your kitchen like it is in mine!