Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Comfort Food