Creamy Tomato and Basil Orecchiette
Mildly acidic canned tomatoes form the base of this creamy, dreamy orecchiette, which is enriched with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It's a quick and easy weeknight dinner that's also a great way to use up leftover pasta. Serve with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Orecchiette, those little ear-shaped pasta shells, are a blank canvas for all sorts of sauces. But when you're short on time or inspiration, a simple tomato sauce can be just the thing. This recipe takes that classic combination and gives it a creamy, cheesy twist with the addition of nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that has a nutty, cheesy flavor. It's a great way to add a vegan "cheese" flavor to dishes without adding any dairy. In this recipe, the nutritional yeast is dissolved in vegetable broth and then added to the sauce, where it thickens and adds a rich flavor. The result is a creamy, dreamy sauce that's perfect for coating orecchiette. And because it's made with canned tomatoes, it's a quick and easy weeknight dinner that's also a great way to use up leftover pasta.
Creamy Tomato and Basil Orecchiette Creamy Tomato and Basil Orecchiette Creamy Tomato and Basil Orecchiette Creamy Tomato and Basil Orecchiette
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound orecchiette pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
  1. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package directions.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the onion and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth and nutritional yeast.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
  7. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce.
  8. Stir in the basil and serve.
Why It Works
  • The combination of canned tomatoes and nutritional yeast creates a creamy, cheesy sauce without any dairy.
  • The orecchiette's shape provides plenty of nooks and crannies for the sauce to cling to.
  • The addition of fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the dish.