- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms & Spinach
- Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking for 5-6 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a blender, combine soaked cashews (or coconut milk), vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and tapioca starch.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Pour the sauce into the pan with the mushrooms and spinach.
- Simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring until thick and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta to the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silkier texture.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley, vegan Parmesan, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors!
Serving Suggestions
✅ Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
✅ Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
✅ Add grilled tofu or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of plant milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: The sauce can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.
Variants & Add-Ins
🔥 Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or smoked paprika.
🥦 Veggie Boost: Stir in broccoli, roasted zucchini, or bell peppers.
🧄 Extra Garlic Flavor: Roast the garlic before blending for a deeper taste.
🧀 Cheesy Version: Add more nutritional yeast or vegan shredded cheese.
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought vegan cream instead?
Yes! Use vegan heavy cream or coconut cream for convenience.
Q: Can I make this nut-free?
Absolutely! Use silken tofu or oat milk instead of cashews.
Q: Can I make this oil-free?
Yes! Sauté the mushrooms and onions with vegetable broth instead of oil.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—it’s rich, satisfying, and bursting with delicious plant-based flavors. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion!
🍝 Try it today and let me know how much you love it! 🌱🔥✨
