8 Homemade Vegan Pasta Sauce Recipes: Better Than Store-Bought

There’s something special about making your own pasta sauce. The flavors are fresher, the ingredients are cleaner, and you get to control every spoonful. 

When it comes to vegan sauces, homemade means no dairy, no preservatives, and definitely no missing out on richness or flavor.

Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, herby, spicy, or slow-simmered, these homemade vegan pasta sauces will give any store-bought jar a run for its money.

Here are 8 easy, flavor-packed pasta sauce recipes you can whip up in your own kitchen.

1. Classic Marinara Sauce

Simple, bold, and easy to love, this marinara is your weeknight go-to. Perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or as a dipping sauce. 

It’s the kind of recipe that works in just about any meal plan. It’s quick to throw together, full of flavor, and always reliable. 

Make a little extra and freeze some for nights when you want something comforting without the effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Pinch of sugar (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add tomatoes, herbs, and seasoning. Simmer for 20–30 minutes.
3. Taste and adjust with sugar if needed.

2. Creamy Cashew Tomato Sauce

Creamy, tangy, and comforting, all without a drop of dairy. This sauce feels rich enough for a cozy date night but simple enough to whip up on a regular Tuesday. 

It’s perfect when you’re craving something indulgent but still want to keep things light and plant-based. 

Blend it up, pour it over your favorite pasta, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like way more effort than it actually takes.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup raw cashews (soaked)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ cup water

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Heat gently in a saucepan and stir until warmed through.
3. Serve with penne or fusilli.

3. Vegan Bolognese Sauce

This rich, satisfying sauce is packed with lentils and mushrooms, giving it a deep, savory flavor that holds its own. It’s the kind of sauce that turns a bowl of pasta into a full meal. 

Hearty, nourishing, and perfect for nights when you want something filling without feeling too heavy. 

You won’t miss the meat, and you might even find yourself making extra to spoon over grains or toast the next day.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• ¾ cup cooked brown or green lentils
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
2. Stir in lentils, tomatoes, and thyme. Simmer 20 minutes.
3. Serve over spaghetti or pasta shells.

4. Dairy-Free Alfredo Sauce

This sauce is smooth, rich, and garlicky. It has everything you want in an Alfredo, just without the dairy. 

It’s creamy enough to feel indulgent but made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand. 

Perfect for tossing with fettuccine or pouring over steamed veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
• 1 ¼ cups unsweetened plant milk
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients until very smooth.
2. Warm in a pan over medium heat until thickened.
3. Toss with fettuccine or linguine.

5. Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This sweet and smoky sauce has a bold flavor that’s always a hit, especially with kids. 

The roasted red peppers bring a natural sweetness, while a hint of garlic and lemon keeps things balanced. 

It’s great for adding color and variety to your usual pasta rotation and pairs beautifully with sautéed greens or chickpeas for a quick, wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
• ¼ cup cashews or sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Warm gently in a saucepan before serving.
3. Try it over pasta with kale or spinach.

6. Creamy Avocado Basil Sauce

This cool, no-cook sauce is made for warm days when turning on the stove feels like too much. 

Creamy avocado blends with fresh basil and lemon for a light, herby flavor that tastes like summer in a bowl. 

It’s smooth, refreshing, and perfect for tossing with warm pasta or drizzling over grain bowls for a quick, nourishing lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water to thin

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients until silky smooth.
2. Add water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Toss with warm pasta and serve immediately.

7. Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce

If you like your pasta with a bit of a kick, this sauce delivers. It starts with a classic tomato base and turns up the heat with red pepper flakes, adding just the right amount of spice. 

It’s bold, bright, and perfect for nights when you want something simple but full of personality. 

Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a side of crusty bread to soak up every drop.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat oil and sauté garlic with red pepper flakes.
2. Add tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

8. Vegan Pesto Sauce

Fresh basil, garlic, and a splash of lemon come together in this bright, punchy pesto. It’s one of those sauces that instantly makes everything taste better. 

Toss it with pasta for a quick dinner, spread it on toast for a savory snack, or stir it into grain bowls for a boost of flavor. 

You’ll want to keep a jar of this on hand all week.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil
• ¼ cup walnuts or pine nuts
• 2 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• Salt to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon

Directions:

1. Blend all ingredients until combined but slightly textured.
2. Taste and adjust salt and lemon as needed.
3. Stir into hot pasta or use as a finishing drizzle.
   

Final Thoughts

Making your own vegan pasta sauce is easier than you might think—and way more rewarding. 

These sauces are full of flavor, free from unnecessary additives, and endlessly adaptable.

From creamy Alfredo to bold arrabbiata, there’s something here for every mood and every kind of noodle. 

Try a few and find your favorites; who knows, you might never reach for the store-bought jar again.

Frequently Asked Questions