Sustainable Pasta Sauces Using Simple Pantry Staples
Spaghetti alio e oglio (Lazy Cat Kitchen)
Pasta has many popular sauces to accompany it, so here are a few vegan versions of the most popular ones worldwide. Serve with plastic-free pasta and vegan Parmesan!
Keep fresh pasta dough away from children and pets. Ingredients not safe near pets include onion/garlic/shallots/leeks.
For these recipes, use a good ice-cold vegan block butter with no palm oil (Flora and Myoko’s are good brands). Also be sure not to overmix the dough, and leave stem vents when baking.
Unless you have a food waste bin (made into biogas), it’s best to just bin onion/garlic/shallots/leeks scraps, as acids could harm compost creatures.
If using tinned ingredients, rinse/remove lids (or pop ring-pulls over holes) then step on the can to pinch the inner rims together, to avoid wildlife getting trapped at recycling points.
Aglio e Olio pasta sauce
The simplest and often the best (translates as ‘garlic and oil’). Made by lightly frying sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, in a generous amount of oil.
Cacio e Pepe pasta sauce
This is a simple sauce that translates as ‘cheese and pepper’. Its made by emulsfiying grated vegan cheese with coarse black pepper and starchy cooking water.
Pesto alla Genovese
This is a vibrant green sauce made from vegan pesto (a blend of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic and oil). Find a good recipe at Bianca Zapatka.
Marinara pasta sauce
This is a simple quick-cook sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano and olive oil.
Pomodoro pasta sauce
This is a thick smooth tomato sauce that is simmered more slowly. Served with fresh basil.
Arrabbiata pasta sauce
This ia fiery Roman sauce (the word is Italian for ‘angry!). It’s heavily spiced with dried red chilli flakes.
Bolognese (or ragu)
This is a rich slow-cooked Italian sauce, which begins with a soffritto (celery, onions, carrots) and a vegan mince beef, and often a splash of wine!
Alfredo pasta sauce
This is an Italian-American favourite, made by melting vegan butter with plant-based cream and Parmesan into a smooth emulsion.
Carbonara pasta sauce
This is a classic Roman sauce. It’s a mix of vegan cheese and vegan bacon, cooked into a creamy glaze.
