Delicious creamy vegan pasta served in a bowl with fresh herbs.

Creamy Vegan Pasta

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Creamy Vegan Pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal that everyone can enjoy. It’s not only vegan but also packed with healthy ingredients like broccoli and white beans. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while still enjoying a creamy pasta dish.

how to make Creamy Vegan Pasta

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 (keep stems separate)
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

For the creamy vegan pasta sauce:

  • 1½ cups cooked white beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup vegetable broth, more as needed
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Make the sauce: In a blender, combine the white beans, vegetable broth, lemon juice, olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté the onion: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli stems and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are tender. Add the broccoli florets and leaves, plus a splash of water or vegetable broth. Cover and turn off the heat.
  5. Steam broccoli: Allow the broccoli to steam for 2 to 3 minutes until tender but still bright green.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir in ¾ of the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too dry, add more broth.
  7. Season and serve: Season with more salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Portion into bowls, top with the remaining sauce, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

how to serve Creamy Vegan Pasta

Serve the Creamy Vegan Pasta warm. It’s great as a main dish or even as a side dish alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread. The lemon wedges on the side add a nice touch and enhance the flavors.

how to store Creamy Vegan Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some sauce, so you can add a splash of vegetable broth and reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

tips to make Creamy Vegan Pasta

  • Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture.
  • Feel free to adjust the spices or add in other favorite vegetables.
  • For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a bit more olive oil or a splash of plant-based milk.

variation

You can switch up the pasta type to your favorite shape, such as fettuccine or penne. Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also enhance the flavor. For an extra kick, consider including some crushed red pepper flakes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking, or you can add it directly to the pan and adjust the cooking time.

Can I make the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before adding it to the pasta.

Is this pasta gluten-free?
You can easily make this pasta gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.