Pasta with a vegan white sauce

Ingredients:

8 oz of dry pasta (I used 1/2 box of penne)

2-3 cloves garlic, crushed or minced

1 cup unsweetened soy or almond milk

1/2 cup vegetable broth

2 tbsp nutritional yeast

2 tsp tapioca starch

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp dry basil

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp salt

Fresh cracked white pepper to taste

1 bay leaf

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

2 cups fresh spinach

1 cup asparagus, chopped

Juice of half a lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them. Rinse and drain the chickpeas, chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, and crush or mince the garlic. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

2. Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Typically, this will take about 10-12 minutes. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the chopped asparagus to the boiling water with the pasta. This will ensure the asparagus is cooked perfectly without becoming too soft.

3. Sauté the Garlic:

While the pasta and asparagus are cooking, heat a wide pan over medium heat and add a little oil. Once the oil is hot, add the crushed or minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.

4. Make the Sauce:

To the pan with the garlic, add the unsweetened soy or almond milk, vegetable broth, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, onion powder, dry basil, smoked paprika, salt, and fresh cracked white pepper. Stir everything together well to ensure the tapioca starch is fully dissolved and not clumping. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a sauce. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once the sauce has thickened, remove the bay leaf.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Once the pasta and asparagus are done, drain them and add them directly to the pan with the sauce. Add the rinsed and drained chickpeas as well. Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the sauce.

6. Add the Spinach:

Lower the heat and add the fresh spinach to the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the spinach to wilt, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Once the spinach is wilted, give everything a good stir to combine.

7. Finish the Dish:

Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the pasta if desired. The lemon juice adds a nice brightness to the dish. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to your liking.

8. Serve:

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if you like. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Tips and Variations:

Add Protein: If you want to add more protein to the dish, consider adding some tofu or tempeh. You can cube and sauté them with the garlic for added texture and flavor.

Different Vegetables: Feel free to swap the asparagus for other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini. This recipe is versatile and works well with a variety of vegetables.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta if you are avoiding gluten. The sauce and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro can be added just before serving for a fresh flavor.

Creamier Sauce: For a creamier sauce, you can add a tablespoon of vegan butter or a splash of coconut milk. This will give the sauce a richer texture.

Nutritional Yeast Substitute: If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can use a small amount of miso paste or vegan cheese for a similar umami flavor.

This pasta dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the chickpeas, spinach, and asparagus. It's a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. Enjoy your meal and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for healthy, vegan meal ideas.

Interested in more healthy vegan recipes? Click here.