Vegan Spinach and Cheese Pasta

Indulge in the creamy comfort of this Vegan Spinach and Cheese Pasta, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Featuring a velvety cashew-based cheese sauce infused with nutritional yeast, garlic, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, this dish captures all the decadent flavors of cheese without any dairy. Tender sautéed spinach adds a boost of nutrients and vibrant color, while the al dente pasta ties everything together perfectly. Naturally plant-based and easily made gluten-free by choosing the right pasta, this quick and easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner. Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and savor a bowl of creamy, savory goodness that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to enjoy a healthier take on comfort food!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Dry pasta (gluten-free, if needed)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups Fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cups Unsweetened almond milk
• 1 cup Nutritional yeast
• 1 cup Raw cashews, soaked for 2-4 hours and drained
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 tsp Optional red pepper flakes (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the spinach to the skillet, stirring occasionally, and cook until it wilts completely, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

Step 4

Prepare the vegan cheese sauce by combining the almond milk, nutritional yeast, soaked cashews, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Transfer the cheese sauce to a medium saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Combine the cooked pasta, sautéed spinach, and vegan cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 7

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with optional red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1369.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2556.2

Total Fat 105.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1768.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 331.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.6g	0%
Total Sugars 19.4g
Protein 76.4g	0%

Vitamin D 175.7IU	0%
Calcium 1299.5mg	0%
Iron 25.8mg	0%
Potassium 3623.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.9%

Protein: 11.8%

Carbs: 51.3%