Dairy-Free Spinach and Cheese Pasta
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Dairy-Free Spinach and Cheese Pasta, a creamy and satisfying plant-based twist on a classic favorite! This recipe combines perfectly al dente penne pasta with a luscious, dairy-free "cheese" sauce made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and unsweetened almond milk. Packed with fresh, wilted spinach and fragrant garlic, this dish is both nutrient-dense and irresistibly flavorful. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's an ideal weeknight meal for busy households or anyone seeking a gluten- and lactose-free alternative without sacrificing taste. Top it off with optional dairy-free mozzarella and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added zest. Perfect for vegans, those with dietary restrictions, or anyone who loves wholesome, creamy pasta dishes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 5 cups Fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups Unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)
- 1 cup Nutritional yeast
- 0.75 cup Raw cashews, soaked for 2-4 hours
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Dairy-free mozzarella cheese (optional for garnish)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste and set the sauce aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Lower the heat and pour the blended sauce over the spinach in the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and spinach.
Optional: Sprinkle dairy-free mozzarella cheese on top and cover the skillet for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly.
Serve hot, garnished with red pepper flakes (if desired). Enjoy your creamy dairy-free spinach and cheese pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2226 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 137.0 g | 176% | |
| Saturated Fat | 56.1 g | 280% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4049 mg | 176% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 174.9 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.9 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.0 g | ||
| Protein | 65.4 g | 131% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.8 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 1004 mg | 77% | |
| Iron | 19.9 mg | 111% | |
| Potassium | 1707 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
