Dairy-Free Spinach and Cheese Pasta
Indulge in the velvety goodness of Dairy-Free Spinach and Cheese Pasta, a wholesome recipe that delivers all the creamy comfort of traditional pasta dishes—without the dairy! This plant-based crowd-pleaser features tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious, cashew-based "cheese" sauce seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and a zesty squeeze of lemon juice. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant burst of color and nutrients, while nutritional yeast brings a rich, cheesy flavor that’s 100% vegan. Perfect for weeknights, this 40-minute recipe comes together effortlessly and offers the option of a melty, dairy-free mozzarella topping for extra indulgence. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and enjoy a dish that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing. Ideal for anyone seeking a creamy, plant-powered pasta experience!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 5 cups Fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups Unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)
- 1 cup Nutritional yeast
- 0.75 cup Raw cashews, soaked for 2-4 hours
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Dairy-free mozzarella cheese (optional for garnish)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste and set the sauce aside.
Step 3
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Step 5
Lower the heat and pour the blended sauce over the spinach in the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 6
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and spinach.
Step 7
Optional: Sprinkle dairy-free mozzarella cheese on top and cover the skillet for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly.
Step 8
Serve hot, garnished with red pepper flakes (if desired). Enjoy your creamy dairy-free spinach and cheese pasta!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1302.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2225.5 |
| Total Fat 137.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 56.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4049.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 174.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 13.0g | |
| Protein 65.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 150.0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1004.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 19.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1707.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories