Craving a creamy, indulgent pasta but want to keep it 100% vegan? Say hello to the Air Fryer Creamy Vegan Sun‑Dried Tomato & Boursin Pasta. This dish is packed with umami-rich sun-dried tomatoes, herby vegan “Boursin” style cream, and perfectly cooked pasta that’s silky, comforting, and just begging to be devoured.
Mom, wife, and grandmom approved—this is the kind of pasta that disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please.”
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
- Rich and creamy without dairy. Vegan Boursin gives it that luxurious flavor.
- Quick and fuss-free. Air fryer magic cuts down cooking time.
- Flavor-packed. Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs make each bite delicious.
- Kid-friendly and family-friendly. Creamy pasta, mild flavor, easy to love.
- Customizable. Add veggies, vegan protein, or extra herbs to make it your own.
Honestly, it’s the kind of comfort food that impresses without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, or rotini work well)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup vegan Boursin-style cheese or herbed vegan cream cheese
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, oat, or almond)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning
- Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms
- Optional garnish: fresh basil or nutritional yeast
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Boil pasta 1–2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce. In an air fryer-safe dish, mix vegan Boursin, plant-based milk, olive oil, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried herbs until creamy and smooth.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and optional veggies. Fold them into the sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce. Add cooked pasta to the dish and toss until evenly coated.
- Air fry. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook pasta and sauce for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway, until creamy and heated through.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil, nutritional yeast, or extra herbs for color and flavor.
Tips for the Best Creamy Vegan Pasta
- Don’t overcook pasta. Slightly underdone pasta absorbs sauce perfectly during air frying.
- Air fryer-safe dish is key. Avoid non-oven-safe containers.
- Add veggies last. Helps them stay tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Adjust creaminess. Add extra plant milk if you like a looser sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Vegan cheese varies in saltiness—adjust as needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta. It continues to soften in the air fryer.
- Skipping preheat. Helps sauce thicken evenly and enhances flavor.
- Using too much liquid. Sauce can separate if overly watery.
- Overcrowding the dish. Air circulation matters for even heating.
- Adding delicate herbs too early. They can brown or lose flavor.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Cheese swap: Use any vegan herbed cream cheese or spread.
- Pasta swap: Gluten-free, whole wheat, or chickpea pasta all work.
- Veggie variations: Broccoli, bell peppers, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Protein boost: Add vegan sausage, tempeh, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Flavor twist: Add sun-dried tomato paste, roasted red peppers, or a splash of white wine.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate; air fry for 5–6 minutes before serving to reheat.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely, but reduce air frying time slightly to prevent overcooking.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! Mild, creamy, and flavorful without strong vegan “tastes.”
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Does it freeze well?
Partially. Pasta is best fresh, but leftovers can be frozen for short-term storage.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead?
Yes, but reduce added liquid since fresh tomatoes release moisture while cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Creamy Vegan Sun‑Dried Tomato & Boursin Pasta is indulgent, comforting, and surprisingly quick. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual date nights, or anytime you want creamy, flavorful pasta without the dairy. Customize with veggies, herbs, or vegan protein, then dig in and enjoy that rich, herby, sun-dried tomato goodness. 🍝🌿✨
