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 (Field Roast brand recommended); 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 recommended)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 60 reviews

If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and just downright delicious without any animal products, you’re going to love this Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that sneaks up on you with creamy, rich flavors and the perfect kick from vegan sausage and chili flakes. Trust me, I’ve made it countless times for friends and family, and it’s always a hit—even with non-vegans!

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Why This Recipe Works

Layered Flavors: The combination of seasoned vegan sausage, garlic, and red chili flakes adds depth and a satisfying spicy warmth.
Creamy Texture Without Dairy: Using coconut milk keeps the sauce luscious and indulgent without traditional cream or cheese.
Nutrient Boost: Fresh baby spinach adds freshness and a pop of green, making the dish feel lighter and more balanced.
Easy & Quick: Ready in just about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights but delicious enough to impress guests.

Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach, vegan sausage pasta, dairy-free creamy pasta, vegan pasta recipes, plant-based sausage 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 magic of this Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe really comes down to simple, accessible ingredients that play off each other perfectly. I always recommend grabbing quality vegan sausage because that’s the star protein, but don’t stress—it’s forgiving and flexible.

Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach, vegan sausage pasta, dairy-free creamy pasta, vegan pasta recipes, plant-based sausage 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: The shape holds the sauce beautifully—plus, it cooks quickly so dinner comes together faster.
Italian vegan sausage: I’ve had great results with Field Roast, but choose your favorite brand with bold seasoning to keep it flavorful.
Olive oil: For sautéing, it lends richness and a smooth mouthfeel.
Sweet onion: Adds mild sweetness and depth; chopping it small helps it blend into the sauce perfectly.
Garlic: Because, seriously, what pasta dish is complete without it?
Red pepper chili flakes: Just the right amount gives the dish a warm kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Coconut milk: Using either light or full fat creates a silky, creamy sauce while still being dairy-free.
Water: Helps thin out the sauce just enough to coat the pasta nicely.
Salt: Essential for bringing all flavors together—season to taste!
Baby spinach: Adds freshness, a slight earthy note, and vibrant color.
Vegan parmesan cheese: To finish, it gives a cheesy, salty punch that rounds out the dish.

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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

One of the best things about this Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. I often swap out spinach for baby kale when I want something heartier, or add extra chili flakes when I’m craving heat. You can definitely put your stamp on it!

Make it spicier: I once added fresh chopped jalapeños along with the chili flakes, and it was a fiery twist everyone loved.
Swap the protein: Tempeh sausage works brilliantly here—you can use my homemade recipe for even more flavor control.
Cream alternative: For a coconut-free option, unsweetened soy or cashew creamers work well—I’ve done it when guests can’t do coconut.
Add vegetables: Mushrooms or roasted red peppers add great texture and make it even more colorful and nourishing.

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

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by cooking your short cut pasta according to the package instructions. I like to salt the water generously—it gives the pasta flavor from the inside out. Make sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks. Once cooked al dente, drain and set it aside while we work on the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Sausage, Onion & Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced or chopped vegan sausage along with the chopped sweet onion, minced garlic, and red pepper chili flakes. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the sausage gets a nice golden-brown edge. This is where a lot of flavor develops, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Mix in the Creamy Goodness

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the coconut milk and water. Stir everything gently, then add the fresh baby spinach. Let it cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts down completely. Season with salt to taste. At this point, your sauce should be silky and inviting.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the drained pasta directly into the pan with your creamy sausage mixture. Stir well to make sure every noodle is coated in that luscious sauce. Finally, sprinkle in the vegan parmesan cheese and toss just until it melts and blends through. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy every bite!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente since it will soften more when mixed into the sauce.
Sear Your Sausage Well: Browning adds a smoky, meaty flavor that lifts the whole dish.
Adjust Coconut Milk Fat Content: I prefer full fat for richness, but light coconut milk works if you want to keep it lighter.
Add Spinach Last: Adding it just before serving keeps it bright and tender, not mushy.

How to Serve Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach, vegan sausage pasta, dairy-free creamy pasta, vegan pasta recipes, plant-based sausage 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 love topping this pasta with crunchy toasted pine nuts or walnuts for texture, plus a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil to brighten everything up. A little extra vegan parmesan on top is never a bad idea.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is my go-to side, balancing the richness of the pasta. Or, try some garlic bread made with your favorite vegan butter—it’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a few chili flakes on top. You can also toss the pasta in edible flowers or serve alongside roasted cherry tomatoes for a pop of color that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually keep mine for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before reheating because the spinach tends to settle at the bottom.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times for busy weeks. Just portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture remains surprisingly good, though the spinach softens more after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring often. You might want to add a splash of plant milk or water to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. Microwave works too, just heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use other types of vegan sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I use Field Roast Italian vegan sausage, brands like Beyond Meat or homemade tempeh sausage also work great. Just choose a sausage with robust seasoning to keep the flavor lively.
Is coconut milk necessary for the creaminess?

Coconut milk adds richness and a creamy texture, but if you prefer to avoid coconut, unsweetened soy, cashew, or oat-based creamers can be used as a substitute—just make sure they’re unflavored.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety, such as brown rice or corn-based pasta, and ensure your sausage and vegan parmesan are gluten-free certified.
How spicy is this Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe?

The spice level is mild to medium thanks to the red pepper chili flakes. You can easily adjust by adding more flakes for heat or reducing them if you prefer something gentler.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s both comforting and surprisingly easy to pull off any night of the week. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s perfect for sharing with friends or a cozy solo dinner. Give it a try soon, and let me know how yours turns out!