This gluten-free pasta with creamy, dairy-free tomato sauce is easy to make in 25 minutes. Plus 5 more of our favorite gluten-free pasta recipes!
An Easy Gluten-Free Meal
This recipe is perfect for those who are new to gluten-free eating, and also for those who may be looking for a lighter pasta alternative.
It’s a protein-packed, vegetarian pasta dinner with a healthy amount of plant based iron. For the recipe, scroll down to the bottom of this post.
Types of gluten-free pasta
There are two types of gluten-free pasta that I adore. One is a buckwheat pasta and the other is a lentil pasta.
BUCKWHEAT PASTA
Buckwheat pasta is made from buckwheat flour. Buckwheat is a pseudo-grain, which is not really a grain, but a seed, from the rhubarb plant.
For those with healthy hormones and healthy guts, buckwheat is well tolerated, especially if it’s soaked or fermented.
You can learn more about this nutritional seed in my post, Buckwheat 101.
LENTIL PASTA
The other gluten-free pasta I use often is lentil pasta. I love to use lentil pasta because it adds plant based protein without adding meat. Oh, and fiber to boot!
Actually, both types of gluten-free pasta contain significant amounts of protein and significant levels of other nutrients, especially B vitamins and iron.
Creamy tomato penne pasta recipe notes
I have a special tip for making the sauce super creamy – Use an egg yolk combined with paleo mayo!
Yes, it’s almost like a carbonara style pasta, minus the cheese. This is also how we add in more good fats and Choline without the dairy. Plus 9 grams of protein- not too shabby!
Just mix a tiny bit of mayo and egg yolk together, then stir it right into the pasta. It melts together with the tomato and onion, which makes the penne pasta extra creamy.
You can also use nutritional yeast or even a cashew cream sauce. For even more protein, add in chicken, beef, or even shrimp if you’d like!
Ingredient Notes– You can buy lentil and buckwheat penne pasta here and you can buy spirals here.
Troubleshooting: why is my pasta mushy?
If you have been eating gluten-free for a while, you probably understand. Remember the days when every gluten-free pasta option was made from corn, and it melted in the pan? Haha, yep!
A common mistake that many people make is to over cook pasta. This especially applies when cooking gluten-free pasta. The key is to cook it to al dente.
This means, cook it a couple of minutes less than what the directions on the box call for.
So, if the instructions say to cook the pasta for 10 minutes, stop cooking it after 8 minutes.
The great news is, our bodies absorb and digest al dente pasta more slowly. So, it doesn’t just taste better, but it’s also healthier for you to eat it that way!
5 More gluten-free pasta recipes
Here are a few other recipes that are made with other gluten-free options, like spaghetti squash and chickpea pasta. Just as easy to make, healthy and delicious, too!
Pumpkin Spaghetti Squash Pasta
Seafood Pumpkin Spaghetti Squash Pasta is strands of spaghetti squash topped with a miso pumpkin sauce and buttery scallops. A healthy lower carb version of your favorite pasta dish. Paleo and gluten-free, with a vegan recipe option.
Roasted Radish Lemony Chickpea Pasta
Gluten-Free chickpea pasta with a zesty lemon herb sauce, Spanish olives, and roasted radishes! Vegan friendly.
Peppery Broccoli Arugula Pesto Pasta
A quick and healthy Broccoli Arugula Pesto Pasta! Gluten-free, vegetarian with vegan option.
Creamy Vegan Walnut Pasta Sauce
Make this vegan pasta recipe for an easy dinner, using just 5 ingredients! Tender pasta with a delicious and smooth garlic walnut sauce. Gluten-free with a keto recipe option!
Vegan Jalapeño Chickpea Mac and Cheese
This Vegan Jalapeño Chickpea Mac and Cheese is full of fiber and tons of flavor for a grown-up version of everyone’s favorite childhood recipe. Serve it warm for an easy side dish or add protein for a complete meal in less than 45 minutes!
Creamy Tomato Gluten-Free Pasta (Dairy-Free)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Gluten free pasta doesn’t have to be mushy! This penne pasta with creamy tomato sauce is the ultimate in gluten free, dairy free comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- ½ cup diced white onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 10 oz gluten free pasta {See notes for the kinds that work best}
- 8 oz canned Italian stewed tomatoes (drained) * Diced or halves
- ¼ cup paleo mayo
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ teaspoon each kosher salt and black pepper
- Optional ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil and cracked pepper
optional add-ins
- diced chicken or chicken sausage
- ¼ cup diced bell pepper
Instructions
- In a small pan, sauté onions and garlic in 1 tablespoon olive until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Once they are almost cooked, set aside.
- In a large pot, cook your gluten free pasta according to directions.
- Drain, rinse the pasta, and place pasta back into pot. Keep on low heat.
- Mix in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and mix well. Mix gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo and egg yolk. Add this mix to your pot with the pasta, coating until creamy. Gently mix in the sautéed onion/garlic.
- Toss the pasta with the tomatoes, kosher salt and pepper.,
- Stir gently over low to medium low heat until creamy and combined.
- If using a cooked protein, add it in here.
- Plate pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil and cracked pepper.
Notes
Gluten Free Pasta Options
- Buckwheat Pasta options – penne or spirals
- For lentil penne pasta, check out chickapea pasta
Vegan Recipe Option
- If you are looking to make this vegan, just replace ¼ cup mayo with my vegan cashew cream sauce and add 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast. YUM!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: main, dinner
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 353
- Sugar: 4.8g
- Sodium: 186mg
- Fat: 17.1g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.2g
- Trans Fat: 8.2g
- Carbohydrates: 42.2g
- Fiber: 3.7g
- Protein: 9.2g
- Cholesterol: 77mg
This post was originally published on November 21, 2016. New photos and content were added on November 2, 2020.
Cheers,
LC
This is so good, I already made it twice. Thanks!
Yay! That’s wonderful. Thank you for sharing your recipe experience with us. Happy cooking!
Hi, I cannot find paleo mayo where I live. Would using regular mayonnaise destroy the recipe? Is there another solution?
Thanks.
Not at all! I just suggest paleo mayo (aka mayo without industrial oils) for health reasons. But girl, sometimes you just need to grab what’s available!! So go for it!
I was blown away by this one! It was a lot more flavorful than I expected. Big hit in this household and will be making again. Thank you for sharing!
This makes me so happy to hear, Kristyna. Thank you!
Hi, can one make this in advance? (one day). Of course I know eating it immediately upon preparing is always best, but I need a day-in-advance option here. I am making it with the cashew sauce. Would you make the sauce with the tomatoes, refrigerate it and assemble with the pasta the day of? Or would you prepare it all with sauce on top of the pasta and refrigerate?
Thanks!
Sure! I would keep the sauce separate until ready to serve. That way the pasta doesn’t get soggy.
This was so delicious and easy. I just recently started eating dairy free and gluten free. Sometimes it can be challenging to miss out on certain foods, but recipes like this make my life so much better. I used roma tomatoes and added some spinach at the end. So good!!
Thanks, Madison! I’m so glad you loved this. Here is one of my meal plans for gluten free and dairy free eating: https://www.cottercrunch.com/dairy-free-gluten-free-meal-plan/ – feel free to email me if you have any questions. I understand how challenging it can be.
One of my favorite dinners..it was so absolutely delicious.
Yaaayy! Glad to hear that Cate!
Hi, made this cashew tomato sauce several times and love it..However, decided to put chipotle in it, and wow!! Used it as a mayo substitute for tuna salad.. it was the best tuna melt I’ve had in a long time!!
So glad you love it Dustin! Wow, that does sound delicious! How much chipotle did you add?
Delicious! I love how creamy and flavorful this turned out! We really enjoyed this meal!
This is such an amazing meal!! Perfect for any night of the week!
This is now in our regular rotation. Such a yummy recipe, thank you!
This reminded me of a dish we have at our favorite restaurant. Amazing!
What was the tomato sauce you used instead of the stewed tomato’s?
I don’t eat eggs 🙁 is there a substitute? If not I’m just going to omit and give it a try as it sounds lush x
You could replace the egg with nutritional yeast or just leave out. I also have my cashew cream sauce!
The Nutritional yeast was amazing! I haven’t eaten pasta in years due to being coeliac, but I had some delivered last week!!! This was THE best receipt to go with it! A million thank you’s!!! Stay Safe xx
Glad to hear that Kookie! You’re welcome! Let me know if you need anything during this time! Stay safe too!
I can eat this all day long!
That’s what I like to hear!?
So good my husband had seconds. Added mushroom and spicy GF chicken sausage.
Great idea!! And thanks for feedback Bonnie
I love this recipe, I recently had to remove wheat and dairy from my diet..this has been my go to dinner. I play with different sausages, some sweet and then a spicey. I have added broccoli and or mushrooms..it’s alwaya so good!!
Wonderful! So glad it’s helping you transition Jaime!
Mega offer you described here. That was it !
I am wondering– if I am not a huge fan of mayo, will I not like this? Is the mayo super strong in terms of flavor?
I didn’t taste it much, but you could try adding a creamy non dairy dressing or yogurt. If you can have dairy. Does that help?
That’s a good style, friend! Try yourself as a creative writer.You can definitely earn something!
I would never have thought to use it in a pasta sauce!
Your recipes are always attractive. I love many dishes, in there, pasta. It looks delicious and colorful. I like this recipe.
thanks Vicky!
Thanks for sharing my favorite pasta recipe.
Another mouth watering recipe Lindsay! I have become a fan of your blog. 🙂 Initially I tried Cauliflower soup and now this my weekend ‘s dish for sure.
wonderful! so glad. Thanks Edgar
This sounds so delish! I’ve yet to try paleo mayo..and I never would have though to use it in a pasta sauce!
girl, you gotta try the primal kitchen one. SOOO GOOD!
So glad you reposted and redid this recipe! I know I commented the first time around, but I couldn’t help doing so again as this update sure is “WAY batter”! Happy Thanksgiving friend! xo
thank you friend! I adore you and your encouragement. Wish we could dine together!
This is seriously gorgeous! It looks like a farm to table restaurant dish! Brava!
thanks friend!
You are my hero for posting a Non-thanksgiving recipe this week! In need of a good weeknight meal so this is perfect 🙂
haha yay!!
I have some quinoa pasta in my pantry that I’ve been meaning to make. So good! I’ll have to give your sauce a try with it. Love that egg yolk tip!
which quinoa one do you have?
I got mine from NOW foods when I was there last summer on the tour.
Could you please point us to where we can find the buckwheat penne pasta?
so I just heard that the pasta is now discontinued. So bummed! Might try this one instead http://www.orgran.com/products/135/
I love a good pasta 🙂 This looks SO good!
let me know if you give it a whirl!
My Valentine is gone again so maybe I’ll just double the onions. I love the addition of the egg. Genius move.
Do you mind if I join you & your hubby for dinner? I’ll bring the girls along so you have the chance of meeting them? Is that a deal? :):)
of course! come on over!!
YUM! I’ve never seen buckwheat pasta around here before, I’ll have to keep an eye out though because the BF Is a big pasta fan and corn pasta just isn’t the same.
Carbs are so bad. Kidding.
I love it when you write about the various types in these kind of posts! I LOVE adding eggs to pasta too!
death by carbs!!!! just kidding. Hope you get to try this soon. Post paleo?
I am not a big pasta fan. Just not exciting to me however I love gnocchi… I know it has gluten but I suppose you could use some gluten free flour to make it too!
Need to get my hands on some buckwheat penne – this pasta dish looks so incredibly comforting and delicious!
i think you’d love Thalia! Let me know if you make it
Mmmmm buckwheat is actually one of my favorites ever!!!! I think they’re perfect for pancakes and noodles, though the only noodles I’ve tried are in Asian recipes. Thankfully I’ve grown up acquainted with buckwheat so I’ve always had a preference for it, but I’m sure it’s still “scary” for many people. And you’re right, it really eases the tummy and it’s one of the few carby foods that don’t give me discomfort. And btw, your photos are getting better and better by the day!!! Great job keeping at it, Lindsay~
i know me too! just buckwheat soba noodles. so when i found these, i fell in love!!
thanks so much for your encouragement Ellie! You are amazing!
Pasta isn’t something my husband and I would eat much of, but especially now since we’ve gone to a more low-carb lifestyle. But this seems like a great, healthy alternative! Is buckwheat pasta something I can find in most grocery stores, or mainly health food stores?
Also, is “Cotter Crunch” engraved in that fork, or just where the watermark was placed?! Haha, either way, cute 🙂
hehe yes, that is my logo there. And we like buckwheat because it’s not really a grain. It’s great for post workout, ya know?But Whatever works best for you, ya know?
People are so confused about carbs! 🙂 It is not the carbs but the type people eat… 🙂 Yes, we have to manage how many but carbs are not the enemy.
YUMMMMMMMM
woohoo! i knew you’d love carbs. all in balance, yes?! xxoo
Nom nom nom! Good combination lindsay! I am into marathon training now, so I need to stock up on the carbs, another great recipe for me. I am sure the kiwi wishes he was around to enjoy this meal 🙂
he actually got this before he left, phew! but i have made it 2x after he left. hehe.
Wow I love buckwheat pasta! This looks great! My kids would probably love this too!
oh totally jess! kid friendly!
YES this sounds great, I love eggs and tomato! And gluten free seals the deal for me.
you got that right! WOOHOO!
Love me some carbs!!! Favorite gluten free pasta would have to be Garofalo (Corn, Quinoa, Rice, and Fiber) Gluten Free Pasta.
then you’d love this! it’s the best GF pasta i’ve found yet!
yes, totally good stuff! i knew youd’ like and appreciate! xoxo
I’ve never had buckwheat pasta, but love all sorts of pasta! This recipe looks great 🙂
annnnnnd pinned! yum!
Great tip about the egg yolk!!
you’d love abby!
I have never tried this pasta but I trust you if you say it’s good! I will look for it in the stores…I use nutritional yeast for Italian dishes in place of cheese. So good! What do you think of the quinoa pastas? I never tried those either but always see it.
i like the quinoa pasta too but it sometimes melts for me. the buckwheat is more al dente, ya know?
I love carbs so much.. the good ones of course! & sometimes the naughty ones 😉 I will have to try some GF pasta when I find a good one! Happy weekend love! x0
Ps. I love your gut health board!
Nom Nom…I haven’t made pasta in so long…Happy LOVE weekend to you too! XOXO
This sounds so yummy! We are egg-crazy in this house, so I’m sure this would be a hit. And thanks for the info about buckwheat. Learn something new everyday!
i had a feeling you’d love Tiff! <3
I am so curious about buckwheat pasta! this looks fantastic! must give it a whirl 🙂
You know, I’ve never tried buckwheat pasta! Crazy, because I do love buckwheat, but I mostly do brown rice pasta! Must try the buckwheat now 🙂
i feel like buckwheat is better texture and digest better, for me at least
I’ve never tried buckwheat pasta! Looks like all delicious ingredients 🙂
Let me know if you try it! it’s also good with squash spaghetti! eggs for YOU!
I really just don’t like pasta anymore (gluten-free or not!)…but buckwheat is one of the greatest seeds(grains)!
I’m not a big pasta fan, but I do love buckwheat. I need to give this a whirl!
I love pasta, but you really had be at egg! Happy VD, Bro!
So you know I’m new to Pinterest, right? Well here’s what’s happening with my nutrition board–it’s getting filled with your recipes! And can I do cheese AND eggs? ; )
heck ya add cheese! and yay pinterest! you need to follow amanda’s clean eating board too. we all pin there!
Lindsay I always learn something new from your recipe posts – I had no clue prior to just now that buckwheat and rhubarb were related! I have yet to try buckwheat pasta – but this looks and sounds good enough for me to hit Whole Foods on the way home! Thanks lady – and hope you and the kiwi have a wonderful weekend!
For the love of carbs — you know the way to my heart 😉 I’ve never tried buckwheat pasta, but I LOVE buckwheat… especially the toasted kind (kasha) that I grew up with. Is it lunch time yet?!?!
how about you make a buckwheat dessert and we meet for lunch? xxoo
I really like the flavor of buckwheat. And I’m all for carbs 😉
Ahh I don’t know if I’ve ever had buckwheat penne…. Clearly I need to try it!
really? come on twin, get with it! haha
Have never seen buckwheat pasta at Whole Foods or any of the numerous health food stores I shop at weekly and I live in NYC. What’s the brand you buy? Love your blog!
do you live by a randalls or safeway? I actually found it in their GF sections and it’s their Eating right brand. SO good!
try this one http://www.drugstore.com/orgran-stone-ground-buckwheat-spiral-pasta/qxp363269
We are always on the hunt for GF pasta that the entire family will eat. Right now, we love TJ’s Brown Rice– none of my kids can tell the difference between this and regular. I will have to try Buckwheat pasta for sure. My mom used to make us BW Pancakes when I was little, so I have fond memories of the flavor.
oh i need Tj’s! i forgot about their pasta!
I love that egg yolk trick- I’ve never mixed it into pasta before but I’ve seen it called for in recipes and it sounds really good. You’re such an awesome sherpa!
ahh well thanks friend. I’ve got the sherpa fro and all. right? LOL!
Egg yolk crumbles on top, wow you are on to something!
we are ALL about the carbs here…ESPECIALLY on lifting days! I love me some buckwheat too, so I am swooning over this….AND WITH AN EGG. you win. Pinning!
i swoon, you swoon, we all swoon! <3
Yum! Lynne’s a huge fan of pasta and we normally go for wholemeal. But I really like the idea of trying buckwheat penne paste. I’ll need to check if it’s available at our local health food store. Thanks Lindsay! 🙂
I can’t find a pasta that is rice and corn free! Looks amazing though… I’m dying!
this one is 100% buckwheat. It’s not a grain either. YOU need to try it! i can send you some
Love carbs. hello #carbloading for life. And I adore buckwheat pasta–soba noodles are just about one of the only types of noodle that I really like!
Adding an egg to anything makes it so so much better!
I am not much of a pasta person, but maybe I should give buckwheat a go just for fun, I am sure it has a lovely flavour.
Yum!!! I haven’t found a gluten free pasta I really like yet, but this sounds great!
you will like this one! doesn’t melt!
I haven’t found a favorite gf pasta…yet! It’s the texture. Not much pasta in the Conyers’ house lately 🙁
this is why i love the buckwheat pasta! tastes amazing!
where do you find the “buckwheat” pasta. I’ve only been able to find the rice or quinoa or black bean. I tried the sweet potato/buckwheat combination and it turned to a bunch of mush….blech. I’m a huge fan of buckwheat. 🙂
Ya, i know that pasta mush.haha. This one is 100% buckwheat. WHich is awesome! I found it at our local grocer Randalls/Safeway. there is another brand KING soba pasta/noodles that is delicious and doesn’t mush! So good. Let me know if you want the links.
Please. I also found some spiral noodles on Vitacost. The brown rice noodles work for me sometimes, but I don’t always do well with grain in general. So I like to rotate them. I follow you on IG and have never visited your website. Excited to see all the yummy recipes you have.
🙂
Awesome recipe. Can’t wait to try it. Our Chickapea Pasta would be awesome with this recipe! It’s gluten free and only made with 2 ingredients…chickpeas and lentils. High protein and high fibre AND it tastes like pasta. It’s available on amazon.com. I for one, am trying this recipe tonight! Thank you.
for sure! i gotta try it!