Creamy Basil & Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta Recipe
Welcome to my Creamy Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta Recipe. Finding a recipe that is both delicious and healthy can sometimes be a challenge, but this pasta dish is definitely one of my favorites! Combining the rich flavor of sun-dried tomatoes with the creaminess of silken tofu, this unique recipe is sure to impress even the most skeptical of eaters.
Not only is this dish vegan-friendly, but it also offers a variety of nutritional benefits. Packed with protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients, this meal is perfect for fueling your body and keeping you energized throughout the day.
Whether you are a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this Creamy Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta Recipe is the ideal choice for any occasion. So why not give it a try and experience the delicious taste and health benefits for yourself?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious, plant-based pasta recipe that won’t fall short on taste and texture? Look no further than this Creamy Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta Recipe! Trust us when we say, you won’t even notice the absence of dairy or meat in this dish.
This creamy vegan pasta is a treat for taste buds with its rich umami flavors, tangy tomato paste, and earthy basil. The dish is undeniably indulgent thanks to the addition of smooth, firm silken tofu that perfectly imitates the creaminess of traditional pasta dishes without imparting any animal-derived ingredients.
But that’s not all! This sun-dried tomato pasta recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your preference or adapt it to fit what pantry ingredients you have on hand. You can switch up the type of pasta used – whether it be whole wheat, penne, bowtie or even spinach pasta – to suit your taste buds.
Plus, this dish is loaded with nutritious ingredients like fresh basil, broccoli florets, and roasted sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a value proposition where healthy meets indulgence without making you choose between them.
So what are you waiting for? Follow this recipe and indulge in a fantastic vegan meal that will become part of your regular rotation!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredient list of this creamy basil and sun-dried tomato vegan pasta recipe. You will need the following ingredients:
Pasta
- Your favorite pasta choice (e.g., penne, bowtie, or spinach pasta).
Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Sauce
- Firm silken tofu
- Almond milk
- Nutritional yeast
- Raw cashews
- Lemon
- Vegan butter or olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh basil
- Sun-dried tomatoes (either packed in oil or not)
Basil Pesto (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Raw cashews or tahini paste
- Nutritional yeast
- Lemon juice
- Salt
Add-ins and garnishes (optional)
- Broccoli florets
- Cherry tomatoes
- Vegan parmesan cheese
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before moving on to the next section.
The Recipe How-To
Are you ready to create a creamy and delicious vegan pasta dish? Here are the steps you need to follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound whole-wheat pasta of your choice
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomato oil
- 2 cups firm silken tofu
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Salt, to taste
Steps:
- Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil.
- In the meantime, prepare the sauce by blending silken tofu, sun-dried tomatoes, nutritional yeast, salt, and sun-dried tomato oil in a food processor until it creates a smooth and creamy mixture.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Pour the blended sauce into the pan and stir with garlic until heated through. Reduce heat to low.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Add cooked pasta to the saucepan with the sun-dried tomato sauce, mix well, and stir for a few minutes over low heat until creamy and thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the pasta into a serving dish, and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil on top.
Enjoy your creamy vegan sun-dried tomato pasta!
Substitutions and Variations
When cooking, sometimes we don’t have all the ingredients on hand or might want to switch things up. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider for a delicious twist on this Creamy Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta Recipe:
– Pasta Choice: Instead of using whole wheat pasta, try using gluten-free pasta or another type of pasta, such as penne or bowtie.
– Dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes or prefer another type of tomato, canned diced tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or roma tomatoes can be used instead.
– Almond Milk: Other plant-based milks such as oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk can be used in place of almond milk.
– Firm Silken Tofu: This ingredient gives the dish its creamy texture without any dairy products. If you want to add protein to your dish while also opting for a different texture, you could try substituting the tofu with raw cashews soaked overnight and blended into a cream.
– Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient adds a cheesy flavor similar to parmesan cheese. If you don’t have nutritional yeast or want to omit it, vegan parmesan or vegan shredded cheese can be used instead.
– Broccoli: Want to add some green veggies into your meal? Substitute broccoli with spinach, kale, or zucchini.
– Lemon Pistachio Pesto: If you are looking for a different type of pesto sauce option try lemon pistachio pesto. It’s a tangy alternative that adds a bit of crunch.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your recipe substitutions and variations! Remember, cooking is an art form where experimentation can lead to new and exciting dishes!
Serving and Pairing
This creamy vegan pasta is an excellent main dish that delivers gustatory satisfaction. It can be served hot, right off the stove or even cold, as a refreshing pasta salad at your next potluck. The pleasant taste of fresh basil combined with the tangy sun-dried tomato flavor makes it a perfect match for any occasion.
To turn this recipe into a meal, you can serve it with some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The crunch of these veggies goes hand in hand with the creamy texture of the pasta making a well-rounded meal that can satisfy your cravings for both creaminess and crunch.
To take this vegan pasta recipe to another level, pair it with a side salad such as lemony arugula salad or Caesar’s Salad with kale. This helps balance out the richness of the dish while still providing delicious flavors.
If you prefer something heartier, consider serving this dish with garlic bread made from your favorite form of bread – whether it’s whole grain bread, sourdough, or French bread. Toasted slices brushed with vegan butter, minced garlic cloves, dried oregano or thyme marries perfectly with the tomato-based sauce in this creamy vegan pasta.
Conversely, if you are searching for a lighter pairing, go for fruit such as grapes, pears or strawberries. They add an extra sweet touch that enhances the basil-tomato flavor palette.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair this creamy basil and sun-dried tomato vegan pasta recipe, each bite will be scrumptiously satisfying!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this creamy basil and sun-dried tomato vegan pasta recipe is that it can be easily prepared in advance, making it a perfect option for meal planning or entertaining. You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, or just specific components, which will help you save time during busy weeknights.
To make this pasta recipe ahead of time, simply cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. After draining and rinsing with cold water to stop the cooking process, toss it with a little bit of olive oil to keep it from sticking together. In a separate bowl or container, prepare the creamy vegan sun-dried tomato pasta sauce according to the recipe instructions.
Once both pasta and sauce are ready, store them separately in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply reheat the pasta sauce in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of almond milk or vegan parmesan to loosen it up if necessary.
For reheating leftovers, you can either use a microwave (stirring regularly) or reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the pasta seems a little dry, add a tablespoon or two of almond milk or water before reheating. Be sure not to overcook your pasta again or it’ll become mushy!
This reheated dish still tastes incredibly delicious and nutritive, although some small chunks might seem less concentrated depending on how long they were kept in storage.
Enjoy your amazing creamy basil and sun-dried tomato vegan pasta even after its original preparation!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect creamy basil and sun-dried tomato vegan pasta requires some precision, but don’t worry, I’m here to help! Here are some tips to ensure your pasta is deliciously creamy and full of flavor.
Firstly, make sure to cook your pasta al dente, tender but still firm. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture and make it difficult for the pasta to hold onto the sauce. Follow the package instructions carefully and set a timer, as different types of pasta may have varying cooking times.
Secondly, when blending your sauce ingredients together, remember to do it in batches if necessary. A high-powered blender or food processor works best to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Take care not to over-blend the ingredients as this can cause them to become too thin.
Adding fresh broccoli or spinach can also make this dish more nutritious and filling. Simply chop the greens into small pieces and lightly sauté in olive oil before adding them to the pasta along with the creamy sauce.
Lastly, remember that the key to success with this recipe is balance. Start by adding a little salt and pepper at a time and adjust as needed. Similarly, while dried tomatoes provide a rich burst of flavor, too many can result in an overly intense taste. Use them sparing or add more depending on your preference.
By following these tips, you will have a deliciously satisfying meal that looks great, tastes amazing, and provides all of the nutrition you need. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
As I wrap up this article on my creamy basil and sun-dried tomato vegan pasta recipe, I want to encourage you to give it a try. Whether you are a seasoned vegan chef or a newbie, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Not only is it easy to make and packed with flavor, but it also offers versatility through its various substitutions and variations.
By choosing plant-based options like firm silken tofu and raw cashews, you can enjoy a dish that’s nutrient-dense and good for your body. Plus, the use of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil add a unique twist to traditional pasta recipes.
But most importantly, making the switch to plant-based meals can have immense positive impacts on the environment and our planet. By reducing our reliance on animal products, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease our carbon footprint.
So why not make the switch today by trying out my creamy basil and sun-dried tomato vegan pasta recipe? Your taste buds and the planet will thank you.
Creamy Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat pasta, dry
- 8 sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 (300 g) package firm silken tofu
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, tightly packed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
- Cook pasta.
- While pasta is cooking, blend tomatoes, tofu, garlic, basil, and salt in a food processor or blender until smooth.
- Set aside.
- When pasta is almost done, add broccoli to pasta water and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Drain and return pasta/broccoli to pot.
- Add sauce and toss well.
- Serve immediately.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.