I mistakenly whipped up a creamy vegan pasta while trying to prepare a meat- and dairy-free meal. Since my daughter is a big pasta fan, I decided to try it. To my pleasant surprise, she loved it and gave me positive feedback. Her enthusiasm inspired me to share the quick and easy hummus creamed pasta recipe, which you can use as a vegan or Lenten-friendly version of mac ‘n cheese.
Creamy vegan pasta ingredients
Pasta: This forms the base of the dish and provides the carbohydrate component. You can choose any pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli.
Hummus: Hummus acts as the creamy base for the sauce. You can use the store-bought variety or make your own. Its creamy texture and savory flavor add richness to the pasta sauce.
========>Homemade hummus without tahini.
Unsweetened Plant-Based Milk: Plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, thins out the sauce and adds creaminess without the need for dairy. I prefer almond milk, as it has a neutral taste.
Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Almond Milk, Unsweetened Vanilla – 10g Plant Based Protein, With Vitamin D & Calcium, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Lactose Free, Soy Free, No Sugar Added, 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 6)
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set 10, 12 Inch Oven Safe 400F Cookware, Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe Grey
Minced Garlic: Garlic adds aromatic flavor and depth to the sauce. It’s minced to release its flavor more evenly throughout the dish.
Nutritional Yeast (optional): Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast often used in vegan cooking to impart a cheesy flavor to dishes. It’s a popular ingredient for making dairy-free cheese sauces, adding a savory, umami taste to the pasta sauce.
Olive Oil: You will use the olive oil to sauté garlic and add richness to the sauce. It contributes to the smooth texture and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Spinach: Adds a boost of nutrients and vibrant color to the dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: Bring a burst of sweetness and freshness to the pasta.
Creamy vegan pasta with spinach
Ingredients
- 250 g dry pasta
- 1.5 cup hummus
- 1 cup almond milk (any unsweetened/unflavored plant-based milk)
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast optional
- chopped spinach according to your preferences
- cherry tomatoes according to your preferences
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions until tender - but still firm. Set it aside once done.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, then add the minced garlic. Saute until it releases its airoma.
- Add hummus and stir it in.
- Gradually add the plant-based milk and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring. Do this until the hummus and milk mixture achieve a creamy texture.
- Add nutritional yeast (optional) and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the hummus cream to a container and use the skillet to sauté your spinach and cherry tomatoes (season with salt and pepper).
- Once done, transfer the cooked pasta to the spinach, and mix.
- Add the cream to the pasta/spinach and mix thoroughly OR serve separately to prevent the cream from drying.
You can substitute the spinach with any other green veggies you like (or skip the vegetables altogether).
Once the cream and the pasta are mixed, it dries quickly. Instead, serve the cream separately so you can all enjoy the creamy vegan pasta to its fullest.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
If you plan to cook a pasta recipe, it’s essential to know that traditional pasta is made from wheat flour, which has gluten. So, if you have gluten-related dietary restrictions, you must use gluten-free pasta alternatives such as those made from rice flour, corn flour, quinoa flour, or chickpea flour. However, you don’t have to worry about the other ingredients in the recipe, such as hummus, plant-based milk, minced garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, spinach, and cherry tomatoes, as they are naturally gluten-free. Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to check the labels of any packaged ingredients to ensure that there are no hidden sources of gluten.
Can I freeze the creamy vegan pasta?
You can free leftover pasta for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat the pasta in the microwave or stovetop until heated. If the pasta appears dry after reheating, add a splash of plant-based milk or water to help moisten it.
It’s important to note that the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon reheating, but it should still be delicious and enjoyable.
