Delicious Vegan Pasta Recipes with Parmesan
Indulging in a plate of delectable pasta doesn’t have to mean compromising your commitment to a vegan lifestyle. In fact, with the right ingredients and a dash of creativity, vegan pasta dishes can be as rich, flavorful, and satisfying as their traditional counterparts. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore a collection of mouthwatering vegan pasta recipes, each featuring a plant-based twist on the classic Parmesan flavor. These dishes not only cater to the diverse palates of pasta enthusiasts but also showcase the versatility and delicious possibilities of vegan cooking. Get ready to savor every bite of these tantalizing creations that prove veganism and indulgence can go hand in hand!
Table of Contents
Vegan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
- 225g of your favorite vegan pasta
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 4 hours
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- 2 tablespoons of Nuttino’s cashew Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine the soaked cashews, minced garlic, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large pan, heat the creamy sauce over medium heat. Stir continuously until it thickens, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss the pasta in the creamy garlic sauce until well-coated and heated through.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add more almond milk.
- Serve the creamy garlic pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a couple of spoons of Nuttino’s Cashew Parmesan cheese on top.
- Enjoy your indulgent and satisfying vegan pasta dish that captures the essence of classic garlic flavor without compromising on your plant-based principles.
Black Pepper Parmesan Spaghetti
Ingredients:
- 225g spaghetti
- 1/2 cup Nuttino’s Cashew Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, freshly ground
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Red pepper flakes
- Extra cashew Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat in a large pan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the freshly ground black pepper to the pan, stirring to infuse the oil with the pepper’s aroma.
- Reduce the heat to low and carefully add the cooked spaghetti to the pan, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the garlic and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the vegan Parmesan cheese over the spaghetti and continue tossing until covered. If the sauce is too dry, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water or ordinary water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Season with salt to taste, and if you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Remove the pan from the heat once the spaghetti is well-coated and heated.
- Garnish the Black Pepper Spaghetti with fresh chopped parsley and additional vegan Parmesan.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy a quick and flavorful vegan twist on classic black pepper Parmesan spaghetti!
Basil Pesto Pasta with Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 225g pasta of your choice, such as linguine or spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup raw pine nuts
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil or 4-6 tablespoons of water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Nuttino Cashew Parmesan cheese for serving
- Cherry tomatoes, halved optional, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine the fresh basil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and minced garlic in a food processor.
- Pulse the ingredients until finely chopped. While the processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil (or water if you don’t wish to use oil) until the mixture becomes a smooth and creamy pesto.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the pesto, adjusting the flavors to your liking.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the vegan basil pesto sauce in a large mixing bowl until well coated.
- If the pesto is too thick, you can add a bit of water or more olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve the Vegan Basil Pesto Pasta in individual bowls, topped with Nuttino’s cashew Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness and color.
- Enjoy this delightful vegan pasta dish that combines the aromatic flavors of basil pesto with the rich taste of cashew Parmesan, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture!
Common Prep Questions
- Do you put Parmesan before or after cooking?
Both options are viable when it comes to using Parmesan, and this holds true for vegan Parmesan as well. Traditionally, Parmesan, whether dairy-based or plant-based, is often added after cooking and just before serving. Sprinkling Parmesan over hot dishes like pasta or risotto imparts its distinctive flavor and enhances the overall culinary experience.
However, especially with vegan Parmesan alternatives, there is flexibility. Some vegan Parmesans can be used whilst cooking to add some heartiness to the dish. If you’re seeking that classic Parmesan texture and flavor, adding it as a finishing touch after cooking remains a fantastic choice.
In summary, whether you choose to add Parmesan before or after cooking, it largely depends on your preference, the dish you’re preparing, and the specific qualities of the Parmesan.
- Which kinds of pasta are egg-free?
Several types of pasta are typically egg-free, making them suitable for a vegan or egg-free diet. Common egg-free pasta varieties include:
- Durum Wheat Semolina Pasta: Traditional pasta made from durum wheat semolina and water is usually egg-free. This includes popular shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, and more.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Whole wheat pasta is often egg-free and is made from whole wheat flour and water. It offers a higher fiber content compared to traditional white pasta.
- Brown Rice Pasta: Brown rice pasta is made from brown rice flour and water, and it’s a gluten-free option that is also egg-free.
- Quinoa Pasta: Quinoa pasta is made from quinoa flour and may include other gluten-free flour. It is a protein-rich alternative to traditional wheat pasta and is egg-free.
- Corn Pasta: Corn pasta, made from corn flour, is another gluten-free and egg-free pasta option.
- Artisanal and Specialty Pastas: Many specialty or artisanal pasta brands offer egg-free options, often made with a combination of different flours, such as spelt, kamut, or chickpea flour.
When shopping for pasta, it’s a good idea to check the ingredient list to ensure that it is egg-free, as some specialty or flavored pasta varieties may contain eggs. Additionally, the availability of egg-free pasta may vary by brand, so reading labels is essential for those following a specific dietary preference or restriction.
Plant-Based Perfection: Explore the World of Vegan Pasta
In conclusion, the world of plant-based culinary delights has never been more flavorful and diverse, as evidenced by the myriad of vegan pasta dishes explored in this collection of pasta recipes. These recipes showcase the endless possibilities of crafting a satisfying vegan meal. Including these dishes with dairy-free Parmesan alternatives proves that one can savor the essence of Parmesan seasoning without compromising on ethical choices. Whether experimenting with cooking ingredients or mastering cooking instructions for pasta, the journey to creating delectable vegan pasta sauces and toppings is a celebration of creativity and compassion. Embrace the joy of plant-based cooking and discover how these vegan pasta recipes redefine the boundaries of taste and texture, ensuring a delicious, cruelty-free dining experience for all.