There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, creamy pasta dish that’s rich in flavor and packed with nutrients. If you’re looking for a plant-based meal that’s both indulgent and nourishing, creamy vegan broccoli & shells is the perfect choice.
Imagine tender pasta shells coated in a velvety, dairy-free sauce, combined with fresh broccoli and aromatic spices. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies your cravings without compromising on nutrition. Plus, it’s easy to make, requiring simple ingredients that come together in under an hour.
Ready to whip up this delicious dish? Let’s dive into the details of how to prepare, customize, and enjoy creamy vegan broccoli & shells at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 100% Dairy-Free & Vegan – Made with plant-based milk, cream, and cheese alternatives.
- Packed with Nutrients – Broccoli adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Quick & Easy – A simple one-pot meal that comes together in about 30 minutes.
- Rich & Flavorful – A combination of smoked paprika, fresh thyme, and garlic enhances the taste.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stores well for leftovers and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients for Creamy Vegan Broccoli & Shells
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this delicious dish.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oil | 2 tbsp | Olive oil or avocado oil works best |
| Shallots | 2, sliced | Adds a mild sweetness |
| Yellow onion | 1, diced | Enhances depth of flavor |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, diced | A must for rich, savory taste |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | Boosts the garlic flavor |
| Onion powder | ½ tsp | Complements the shallots and onion |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp | Adds a subtle smokiness |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Adjust based on preference |
| Fresh thyme | 1 tbsp, chopped | Brings freshness and aroma |
| Broccoli florets | 4 cups | Provides fiber and essential nutrients |
| Pasta shells (dry) | ¾ lb | Any small pasta shape will work |
| Broth | 2 cups | Use vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth |
| Non-dairy milk | 1 cup | Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk is ideal |
| Non-dairy cream | 1 cup | Ripple or coconut cream adds richness |
| Vegan parmesan | ½ cup | Adds a cheesy, nutty flavor |
| Vegan cream cheese | 2 tbsp | Makes the sauce extra creamy |
These ingredients combine to create a silky, satisfying sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Vegan Broccoli & Shells
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the shallots and onion, sautéing for 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the diced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Spices and Broccoli
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to coat the aromatics with seasoning.
- Add the fresh thyme and broccoli florets, mixing everything together.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Broth
- Pour in the vegan broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the pasta shells, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the non-dairy milk and cream.
- Add the vegan parmesan and vegan cream cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
- Let the sauce thicken for 3–5 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with extra vegan parmesan and fresh thyme before serving.
- Enjoy warm and creamy, straight from the pan!
Tips for the Best Creamy Vegan Broccoli & Shells
- Use high-quality non-dairy cream – Some brands have a better texture and flavor. Look for one that’s unsweetened and neutral in taste.
- Cook pasta in broth – This infuses the shells with extra flavor instead of just boiling in water.
- Adjust thickness – If the sauce is too thick, add more broth or non-dairy milk to reach your preferred consistency.
- Add nutritional yeast – If you love a cheesier taste, sprinkle in some nutritional yeast.
- Roast the broccoli – For deeper flavor, roast the broccoli separately and stir it in before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
This dish is super customizable! Here are some easy ways to change it up:
Make It Gluten-Free
- Use gluten-free pasta shells or substitute with chickpea or lentil pasta for added protein.
Add Extra Protein
- Stir in crumbled tofu, tempeh, or cooked lentils for a protein boost.
Make It Spicier
- Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat.
Try Different Greens
- Swap out broccoli for kale, spinach, or Swiss chard for variety.
Use Different Pasta Shapes
- Elbow macaroni, fusilli, or rotini work well if you don’t have shells on hand.
Health Benefits of This Dish
This meal isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and plant-based goodness.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 450–500 | Provides energy and satiety |
| Protein | 15–18g | Essential for muscle repair |
| Carbohydrates | 55–60g | A great source of complex carbs |
| Fiber | 8–10g | Supports digestion and gut health |
| Healthy Fats | 12–15g | Important for brain function |
| Vitamins & Minerals | High | Rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C |
The combination of broccoli, plant-based dairy alternatives, and pasta creates a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying and nourishing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat with a splash of broth or non-dairy milk.
2. What’s the best non-dairy cream for this recipe?
Ripple, coconut cream, or cashew cream work best because they have a thick consistency.
3. Can I freeze creamy vegan broccoli & shells?
Freezing isn’t recommended because the sauce may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the sauce separately and add fresh pasta later.
4. How do I make this dish nut-free?
Use oat or soy milk instead of almond milk, and choose a nut-free vegan cream cheese.
5. What can I serve with this pasta?
Pair it with a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini make great additions.
Final Thoughts: Try This Creamy Vegan Broccoli & Shells Today!
If you’re looking for a rich, comforting, and nutritious pasta dish, creamy vegan broccoli & shells is a must-try. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and wholesomeness, making it an ideal meal for any night of the week.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and make this incredible dish today!
Creamy Vegan Broccoli & Shells: A Comforting, Dairy-Free Pasta Dish
Enjoy a comforting and creamy pasta dish that’s 100% plant-based! This Creamy Vegan Broccoli & Shells recipe features tender pasta shells in a velvety dairy-free sauce, combined with fresh broccoli and flavorful spices. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Comfort Food
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3/4 lb dry pasta shells
- 2 cups vegan broth (chicken-style or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat milk)
- 1 cup non-dairy cream (Ripple, coconut cream, or cashew cream)
- 1/2 cup vegan parmesan
- 2 tbsp vegan cream cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics:
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add shallots and onion, sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in diced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Spices and Broccoli:
- Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to coat the aromatics with seasoning.
- Add fresh thyme and broccoli florets, mixing everything together.
- Cook the Pasta and Broth:
- Pour in the vegan broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta shells, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Reduce heat to low and stir in non-dairy milk and cream.
- Add vegan parmesan and vegan cream cheese, stirring until melted and combined.
- Let the sauce thicken for 3-5 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from heat and let pasta sit for a couple of minutes to absorb flavors.
- Garnish with extra vegan parmesan and fresh thyme before serving.
- Enjoy warm and creamy!
Notes
- Cook pasta in broth instead of water for extra flavor.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding more broth or non-dairy milk as needed.
- Add nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
- Customize with roasted vegetables, red pepper flakes, or plant-based protein