Discover how to make Creamy Broccoli Pasta, a silky smooth vegan pasta dish that combines tender broccoli florets, aromatic garlic, and a rich cashew cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe offers a nutritious twist to your pasta night, perfect for families, health-conscious eaters, and vegan diets. Dive into this dairy-free delight that's sure to satisfy your creamy pasta cravings!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal
- 300 g pasta of your choice e.g., fusilli, penne, or spaghetti
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked for 4 hours or overnight
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast optional, for a cheesy flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove from the water and let cool.
In a blender, combine the blanched broccoli, soaked cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast (if using), salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create your creamy broccoli-cashew sauce.
In the same pot used for the broccoli, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Pour the broccoli-cashew sauce back into the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir well and heat the sauce for about 5 minutes on medium heat until it’s warm and slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- For a nut-free version, substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or use a store-bought vegan cream alternative.
- Add chili flakes or black pepper if you prefer a bit of a spicy kick to your pasta.
- This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be gently reheated, adding a little water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
This Creamy Broccoli Pasta not only brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table but also packs a punch of nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for your next meal. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender pasta and velvety broccoli sauce any night of the week!Keyword Cashew Cream Sauce, Creamy Broccoli Pasta, Creamy Vegan Pasta Recipe, dairy-free pasta, Healthy Pasta Dish