Creamy Vegan Pasta: Delicious Comfort Food Bliss
- Written by Julie on Febuary 7, 2024
Pasta Perfection: Ideal for busy nights or special occasions
Do you ever feel like winter overstays It’s welcome?
I’ve been hitting the trails with my friend at 6:00 am, and even though it’s been a milder winter, it’s still cold. And I’m just going to say it, bundling up has never been my thing. First, it’s a compressed undershirt, then another form-fitting shirt, and finally, the jacket. And, of course, there’s the hat, gloves, and neck warmer because the wind can be so bitterly cold and unforgiving.
Summers are so much easier, aren’t they? Throw on a tank, shorts, shoes — done and done.
But it’s all in the mindset, or so I keep reminding myself each morning.
If you’ve ever read Jesse Itzler’s Living With A Seal: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet, you know these words are true.
So what’s more perfect than a warm breakfast after a well-deserved workout?
Well, because I love eating my larger meal for breakfast, I’m going to say this creamy, dreamy pasta recipe! I swear I’m addicted. It makes me feel sunshiny and warm, even when the weather app tells me it feels like -20 outside.
Flavor Fusion
Twenty-some years ago, I found a pasta recipe with basil, mint, and coconut. Being new to healthy cooking, my expectations weren’t too high, but I thought I’d try it anyway.
It was a somewhat Thai-inspired fusion. The unexpected flavors of basil, mint, and coconut were not something I’d ever experienced. But from that point on, I was hooked. And because I fully admit I can’t ever really leave a good thing alone, I of course, had to keep experimenting with the recipe.
But I’m so very glad I did.
After many trials and errors, I eventually found my version of this soul-nourishing pasta perfection.
Easy and Versatile
This crowd-pleasing, super-adaptable creamy vegan pasta meal comes together quickly and easily. Like in 30 minutes, easy!
And have I mentioned how creamy and delicious it is?
Seriously, it’s comfort food that’s hard to put down, and because it’s so versatile, you can make it as healthy or indulgent as you’d like.
For the day-to-day, I add lots of veggies: mushrooms, spinach, peppers, onions, asparagus, etc. But this pasta is also perfect for special occasions. I tend to go easier on the veggies for those times, making it more of an indulgent creamy pasta. I might add mushrooms or simply garnish with chopped green onions and parsley.
So if you’re looking for a plant-based comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen —I think you’re going to love this!
Loaded with Nutrients
The best part of this pasta? Not only does it taste great, but it’s also great for you. Packed with nutrients, it nourishes you inside and out.
Coconut Milk: Boosts energy and fights microbes. Great for dairy-free diets.
Mushrooms (optional): Packed with protein and selenium for muscle health and immunity.
Garlic: Lowers blood pressure and supports heart health with powerful antioxidants.
Basil: Rich in vitamin K for strong bones
Mint: Eases digestion and soothes your stomach, plus menthol for clear breathing.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that’s kinder to your blood sugar than refined sugar.
Whole Grain Penne (if used): Fiber-filled for digestion and fullness, plus it’s a good energy source.
Creamy Vegan Pasta: Delicious Comfort Food Bliss
Creamy Vegan Pasta: Delicious Comfort Food Bliss
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, start the sauce, but make sure to set a timer for the pasta. Once the pasta is finished, set aside, no need to rinse.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil or a small amount of water/vegetable broth over medium-low for an oil-free option. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper (add crushed chili with garlic for a deeper flavor infusion or later for milder heat). Stir to combine (don't overcook or garlic will turn bitter) for a minute.
- If using veggies, like diced bell pepper or mushrooms, add into skillet. Sauté about 5 minutes on medium-low heat until softened Add more water or broth as needed to prevent sticking.
- Pour in coconut milk and vegetable stock (or water with vegan bouillon cubes). Stir in the tamari, and maple syrup. If using dried basil and mint, add them now. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, not a boil, to prevent the sauce from separating and to ensure it maintains a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add the drained penne to the sauce over low heat, tossing to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated. Stir the mixture for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 Tbsp water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce, simmering for another 1-2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in fresh basil and mint if you're using them. Also, gently stir in the white wine vinegar, salt to taste, and spinach (if using). The residual heat will wilt the spinach.
- Taste and adjust to your liking.
- Top with any additional toppings if using: sliced green onions, toasted pine nuts, more fresh herbs, roasted cherry tomatoes, etc.
Notes
- For a deeper, spicier flavor, add crushed red pepper to the oil at the beginning of the sauté process. This infuses the oil, and the entire dish, with more spicy, complex flavors. If you prefer a milder taste, add it later with the liquid ingredients or adjust to your preference.
- With coconut milk, gently bring the mixture to a simmer rather than a boil to help maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Adjust the amounts of basil, mint, salt, and crushed red pepper to your preference. It’s easier to add more than to correct an overly seasoned dish.
In the Kitchen Tips
Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or lemongrass for a twist on the basil and mint.
For added protein, incorporate plant-based options like pan-seared tofu cubes or tempeh, adding them towards the end to maintain their texture.
Beyond penne, explore shapes like fusilli or shells that catch the sauce well, or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
Make the pasta even more nutritious by adding a rainbow of vegetables like purple cabbage, sweet peas, or cherry tomatoes, adding color, texture, and nutrients.
Garnish with toasted nuts or seeds (like pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds), nutritional yeast, or vegan parmesan for extra texture and flavor.
Adjust the thickness of the sauce to your liking by playing with the amount of cornstarch slurry or simmering time. For a thinner sauce, reduce the cornstarch or add more vegetable broth.
Optional Vegetable Add-Ins:
Zucchini, sliced into half-moons
Cherry tomatoes, halved for a burst of color and sweetness
Broccoli florets for a crunchy texture
Artichoke hearts, quartered for a Mediterranean twist
Red onion, thinly sliced for added depth
Asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces
Toppings and Such
Toasted Pine Nuts or Slivered Almonds
Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Fresh Herbs
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Sautéed Wild Mushrooms
Crispy Kale or Spinach Chips
Lemon Zest
Red Pepper Flakes
Toasted Breadcrumbs
FAQ
Can I make this recipe with any pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice for this sauce, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Whole wheat, gluten-free, or even spiralized vegetable noodles are all excellent choices, depending on your preferences.
What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Agave syrup, date syrup, or coconut sugar works well.
Can this dish be made spicy?
Definitely! Add red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a bit of finely chopped fresh chili to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste preference.
How long does this dish keep in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little plant-based milk to thin the sauce if necessary.
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Comfort Food at its Best
This Creamy Vegan Pasta is delicious irresistible comfort food but also shines as a sophisticated vegan main course for Valentine's Day or any other special occasion.
Whether you’re new to cooking plant-based or a long-time vegan, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Its rich, creamy, dreamy sauce and tender pasta will undoubtedly keep you wanting more.
So are you ready to create a dinner (breakfast and lunch, too, if you’re anything like me) you can’t easily forget?
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