Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato
This Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta features penne tossed in a sauce of cashew milk, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, and garlic, enriched with sautéed cremini mushrooms and diced sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh basil and spinach are added for herbal brightness and greens. The dish offers a creamy, savory texture with earthy mushroom flavor and tender pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. penne pasta (gluten-free if desired)
- 8 oz. mushrooms (I use cremini)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes diced
- 3-5 cloves garlic
- 1 1/2 cups cashew milk (plain, unsweetened)
- 2/3 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 3 Tbsp. basil fresh
- 2 cups spinach fresh baby
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Toppings for serving (optional):
- basil fresh basil or parsley
- parsley
- kalamata olives
- vegan parmesan
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, leaving al dente (tender, not mushy). Drain when finished.
- Meanwhile, slice the mushrooms.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté mushrooms for about 7 minutes. (I use 3 Tbsp. water/veggie broth for no-oil sauté method.)
- Meanwhile, mince garlic and dice sun-dried tomatoes (yielding about 1/2 cup diced tomatoes).
- Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and sauté 1 minute.
- Add cashew milk, broth, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.
- Heat 3-4 minutes or until lightly simmering.
- Meanwhile, chop/julienne the basil.
- Add basil and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well and heat for 5-10 minutes or until the pasta has absorbed most of the sauce. (The sauce will be thin at first, but will thicken upon heating and even more after sitting.)
- Stir in spinach during last couple minutes to wilt. Salt/pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use dry sun-dried tomatoes for concentrated flavor and dice to yield about 1/2 cup; not oil-packed.
- Cashew milk creates the creamiest sauce; other plant milks may thin the sauce and alter taste.
- Favorite pasta shapes can be used; gluten-free blends like brown rice and quinoa work well.
- Add vegetables such as onions, peas, or roasted peppers to vary the dish.
- Best enjoyed the same day as leftovers may absorb the sauce and dry out.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 medium bowls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 288
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 288kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 55g | 18% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Potassium | 935mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1689IU | 34% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 51mg | 5% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.