Creamy Vegan Pasta

By Youcipe

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Description

Silky, flavorful, and packed with vibrant veggies, this creamy vegan pasta is a wholesome yet indulgent dish that everyone will love! With tender broccoli, al dente pasta, and a luscious plant-based sauce, it’s topped with crunchy toasted pine nuts and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests with a dairy-free delight! 😋🌱

Ingredients

✅ 2½ cups small shell pasta 🍝

✅ 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 🫒

✅ 1 small yellow onion, chopped 🧅

✅ 5 cups broccoli florets, chopped stems, and leaves 🥦

✅ ¼ cup toasted pine nuts 🌰

✅ Lemon wedges, for serving 🍋

✅ Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 🧂

✅ Creamy vegan pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade) 🌱

✅ Substitution: Swap broccoli for zucchini or spinach, or use cashew cream or a coconut-based sauce for the vegan sauce.

Equipment

✅ Large pot

✅ Large skillet

✅ Colander

✅ Wooden spoon or spatula

Quick Steps

1️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
Make or prepare your creamy vegan pasta sauce according to your recipe or package instructions. Set aside.

2️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2½ cups small shell pasta and cook until al dente, per package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped broccoli stems and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender.

4️⃣ Steam the Broccoli:
Add the broccoli florets and leaves to the skillet with a splash of water or vegetable broth. Cover, turn off the heat, and let steam for 2-3 minutes until tender but still bright green.

5️⃣ Combine:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in ¾ of the creamy vegan sauce, adding more broth if the mixture is too dry. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste.

6️⃣ Serve:
Portion into bowls. Spoon the remaining sauce over each serving, top with ¼ cup toasted pine nuts, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest. Enjoy! 😍

Tips

👉 Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

👉 Serving: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor.

👉 Substitutions: Use any small pasta shape like penne or fusilli. Swap pine nuts for toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

👉 Sauce Tip: For a homemade sauce, blend soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and plant-based milk for a creamy, dairy-free base.