Name: Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta: 5 Creamy, Healthy Recipes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup raw cashews, soaked; 3/4 cup water (or reserved pasta water from cooking pasta); 1 Tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional); 8-10 oz. dry pasta (gluten-free as needed; suggestions: Jovial penne or a legume-based pasta like Banza for more protein); 1 Tbsp olive oil; 3/4 cup diced shallot (about 2 medium shallots or 105 g; or substitute red onion); 4 medium cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts in water, drained and finely chopped; 1 (5 oz.) package baby spinach (yields about 7-8 cups); 1 healthy pinch each sea salt and black pepper, plus more to taste; Vegan parmesan cheese; Red pepper flakes (for heat)

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Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta is a delightful plant-based dish that brings together the rich flavors of artichokes and spinach in creamy harmony. This recipe transforms the classic spinach artichoke dip into a wholesome meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. With tender pasta enveloped in a luscious cashew-based sauce, it’s a perfect go-to for a comforting weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into this delicious meal that you’ll love!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta

This dish stands out for a multitude of reasons. First, it’s an incredibly quick vegan spinach artichoke pasta meal that can be made in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, it’s dairy-free spinach artichoke pasta recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The use of cashew cream creates a rich, creamy texture without any cheese, making it a spinach artichoke pasta without cheese. Additionally, this dish is gluten-free if you choose an appropriate pasta, allowing everyone to enjoy it. Lastly, it’s packed with nutrients from fresh spinach and artichokes, making it a healthy option that fits into a vegan diet.

Ingredients for Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Gather these items:

3/4 cup raw cashews, soaked
3/4 cup water (or reserved pasta water from cooking pasta)
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
8-10 oz. dry pasta (gluten-free as needed; suggestions: Jovial penne or a legume-based pasta like Banza for more protein)
1 Tbsp olive oil
3/4 cup diced shallot (about 2 medium shallots or 105 g; or substitute red onion)
4 medium cloves garlic, minced
1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts in water, drained and finely chopped
1 (5 oz.) package baby spinach (yields about 7-8 cups)
1 healthy pinch each sea salt and black pepper, plus more to taste
Vegan parmesan cheese
Red pepper flakes (for heat)

How to Make Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta Step-by-Step

Step 1: Place the raw cashews in a heatproof bowl and cover them with hot water by at least 1-2 inches. Allow to soak for approximately 20 minutes.
Step 2: While the cashews are soaking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Step 3: While the pasta cooks and cashews soak, finely chop the shallot, mince the garlic, and chop the drained artichoke hearts.
Step 4: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a high-speed blender with 3/4 cup water, lemon juice, sea salt, and nutritional yeast if using. Blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Lower heat and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until soft.
Step 6: Increase heat and add the chopped artichokes. Cook for 3-4 minutes to evaporate excess moisture. Gradually add the baby spinach in batches, allowing each portion to wilt.
Step 7: Turn off the heat. Add the prepared cashew sauce and drained pasta to the pot. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 8: Serve warm, garnished with optional vegan parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for heat.
Step 9: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Keep these in mind:

This dish is best enjoyed fresh.
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Not suitable for freezing as the texture may change.
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Be sure to reserve some pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

Best Ways to Serve Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta

This creamy dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also enjoy it as a hearty main course alongside vegan spinach and artichoke pasta dish options like roasted vegetables or a light soup. For added protein, consider mixing in some chickpeas or lentils for a filling meal.

How to Store and Reheat Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta

To store leftover vegan creamy spinach artichoke noodles, place them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the pasta to help loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. This meal is ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a quick vegan spinach artichoke pasta meal throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta

What’s the secret to perfect Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta?

The secret lies in the creamy cashew sauce that provides that rich, indulgent taste without any dairy. Soaking the cashews ensures a smooth texture, crucial for a dairy-free spinach artichoke pasta recipe.

Can I make Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, storing them separately. When ready to eat, simply combine and reheat to enjoy a delicious plant-based spinach artichoke pasta dish.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure the cashews are well-soaked for optimal creaminess. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or lemon juice as needed for a flavorful balance in your vegan spinach artichoke penne recipe.

Variations of Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta You Can Try

There are many ways to customize this dish. Consider using gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free vegan spinach artichoke pasta. You can also experiment with different vegetables or swap out the cashew cream for a different plant-based sauce. Adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives can give it a Mediterranean twist, while substituting pasta shapes offers a fun variation every time you make it!