(Note: this post was originally published on April 6, 2023. It has since been updated with a few tweaks.)
If you're looking for a comfort food recipe that's actually good for you, this golden-hued vegan turmeric pasta is it. This reinvented comfort food dish features a luscious plant-based coconut milk turmeric sauce that's packed with flavor, yet it's lighter than many other turmeric pasta recipes. Thanks to bean-based pasta, this dish is high in protein and easily acts as a cozy main course.
Like other recipes in my "Golden" turmeric series, this golden pasta dish celebrates anti-inflammatory turmeric in all its glory. Complemented by creamy coconut, fresh lime, zippy ginger, and an optional pinch of cayenne, this easy turmeric pasta sauce is like a cozy hug. And because it comes together quickly with mostly pantry staple ingredients, I can guarantee you'll want to make it again and again.
As you'll see from the photos in this post, this healthy turmeric pasta is a go-to in my own kitchen. I wanted to include some examples of how I like to serve it for inspiration. I make it at least a couple times a month during the winter, always using chickpea or red lentil pasta, and I hope you will too!
The term "turmeric pasta" can actually refer to two different things: a pasta dough with turmeric or a pasta sauce with turmeric. This recipe is the latter, although you could certainly use a pasta made from a turmeric dough if you want to double up on this golden-hued, anti-inflammatory spice. Turmeric pasta sauce usually refers to a creamy sauce that is colored and flavored with turmeric.
You'll see many recipes online for turmeric pasta that call for butter and cream in order to create a decadent sauce. This recipe is different; we're ditching all the heavy dairy in favor of flavorful coconut milk. Additionally, you'll see that I suggest using bean-based rotini (or other twirly cut). Those swaps mean that this healthy turmeric pasta recipe is vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, and high in plant-based protein.
This vegan turmeric pasta recipe is easy to make and most of the ingredients are pantry staples. You'll just saute an onion to get a flavorful base, then add coconut milk and spices (including, of course, lots of turmeric!), then finish the sauce with fresh lime juice. Meanwhile, you'll boil the pasta, then toss the cooked pasta into the turmeric coconut milk sauce.
Although turmeric has been enjoyed in some cultures for centuries, it has only recently become trendy in the western world. It has many health benefits but is most often touted for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric generally comes in two forms: powdered (like any powdered spice) and fresh (as a root). I suggest using powdered turmeric in this golden pasta recipe so that it will dissolve into the creamy coconut-based sauce more easily, although fresh will also work.
Turmeric has a unique flavor that is hard to describe. It's earthy and has some tropical notes, and overall is somewhat similar to saffron. It's also a bit of an acquired taste. Therefore, if you're new to turmeric, I suggest starting with less than what the recipe calls for and working your way up. If you're already a lover of this powerful, anti-inflammatory spice, then feel free to load up this vegan turmeric pasta sauce with more than what the recipe suggests.
Interested in trying more turmeric recipes? I actually have a whole series of anti-inflammatory turmeric recipes here on the blog. If you're new to turmeric, this turmeric tahini sauce is a great place to start since you can easily taste and adjust.
If you're excited to try another turmeric-infused savory dish, this turmeric farro "risotto" is a fabulous healthy comfort food recipe. You'll also love this turmeric granola for a sweet, crunchy treat and this caramelized lemon turmeric sauce, which is exploding with flavor.
There are a lot of ways to change up this vegan turmeric pasta recipe to make it work for you. Most importantly, everyone has different palates when it comes to spices, so I suggest that you tweak the amounts to fit your own tastes. You can always start small and add more as you go, especially if you're new to turmeric. Additionally, feel free to choose your own crunchy garnishes (cashews would be great too, instead of peanuts), and to make this dish spicy with an additional few pinches of cayenne.
If you're planning to make this healthy turmeric pasta ahead of time, I have a few suggestions. Most importantly, pasta can soak up sauce if it sits, causing the dish to feel not saucy enough. That's alright for leftovers; however, if you're intentionally preparing this creamy turmeric pasta ahead, I suggest making just the sauce a day or two in advance and storing it in the refrigerator. When you're almost ready to eat, rewarm the sauce in a large skillet, boil the pasta, then toss the pasta in the skillet with the sauce. Add the garnishes just before serving.
Love having healthy meal components waiting in the freezer? You can easily double the sauce recipe and store half of it in the freezer for later; it will freeze well in a sealed container for a few months.
Here's what you'll need for this recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
Aren't you excited to dive into this vegan turmeric pasta? This recipe is such a great example of nourishing comfort food. Although it seems like an indulgent dish, this golden pasta is actually plant-based, and you can easily keep it gluten-free, grain-free, and high in protein if you use a bean-based pasta. There's no reason why comfort food has to be bad for you!
This anti-inflammatory pasta recipe has become a go-to in my own kitchen when we're looking for something cozy that comes together quickly. It's a great weeknight dinner option and I can't wait for you to try it!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
Coconut Rum Ginger Lemonade Fizz
This vegan turmeric pasta features vibrant ginger and lime. Using coconut milk instead of dairy and bean pasta instead of wheat, it's a healthy and easy plant-based comfort food recipe.
For the Pasta and Sauce
For Garnishing
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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