Creamy One-Pot Pasta {Vegan + Dairy-Free}

If you love one-pot dishes and vegan pasta recipes (seriously who doesn’t?), you’ll LOVE this vegan one-pot pasta! It’s a creamy, garlicky, fresh, and delicious bowl of comfort food goodness.

As with many of our recipes here at World of Vegan, this meal is quick and easy to make, and oh-so-tasty. I couldn’t get enough of this dish, and I’m willing to bet you’ll be wanting seconds just like I did.

This pasta has fairly simple ingredients, yet packs a bounty of flavor. It has the most luscious sauce, tender mushrooms, and it’s topped with heavenly and aromatic fresh basil. Your kitchen will smell so good while this is on the stove, which makes it an extra delightful meal to share with friends or family.

If you love pasta as much as me, you’ll also love these other dairy-free pasta recipes like dairy-free carbonara, pink sauce pasta, Asian-inspired zucchini noodle bowls, and vegan pesto pasta. But there’s just something about a one-pot pasta that can’t be beat! Let’s get started!

Why We Love This Vegan One-Pot Pasta

One pot meals are just the best for people who like low maintenance cooking (me, me, me!). I love the idea of throwing all of your ingredients into one pot, then setting it and forgetting it. And since everything is made in a single pot, clean up afterward is an absolute breeze!

Let’s face it, it’s a busy world, and life and work can be demanding. We all do our best to make home-cooked meals. But sometimes it’s just so much easier to grab takeout or heat up a freezer meal when you’re tired and exhausted from the daily grind.

I totally feel this way sometimes. If you’re in this position, but you still want to cook homemade meals from scratch, it’s important to gather an arsenal of healthy, easy recipes to make cooking a breeze even on a busy weeknight. And that’s what we’re all about here at World of Vegan!

When you don’t have much time or energy to cook, this vegan one-pot pasta is going to be a go-to for you. And it’ll be extra satisfying because you’ll be so proud of yourself for cooking such a delicious and enjoyable meal with simple and healthy ingredients. Now, what are you waiting for? Go, go, go!

Use Whatever Veggies You Have on Hand

Mushrooms are the main vegetable in this dish as they provide a really nice texture that compliments the focus of the meal—the creamy sauce.

If you’d like to add more veggies, absolutely feel free! Some great options that would work nicely in this vegan one pot pasta dish include:

• small pieces of asparagus
• finely chopped broccoli
• spinach
• butternut squash
• bell pepper
• zucchini

Go for Fresh Basil (When Possible)

Fresh basil is one of my favorite flavors. In fact, one of my favorite things in life is my summer herb garden.

I grow a ton of basil every year and a lot of it goes into pasta dishes! The smell and taste of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs is like night and day. Dried herbs definitely have their place in cooking, but a pasta dish like this works so beautifully with fresh basil.

Always add your fresh herbs near or at the very end of the cooking process so that you retain all of the flavors. If you add fresh herbs too soon, you can lose a lot of the flavor because of the heat. In this recipe, all you have to do is add the fresh basil at the very end and stir it into the hot pasta just so that it can wilt.

Play With Flavors

If you want to play around with the flavors just a little bit, go for it! You can try adding a few spoonfuls of freshly squeezed lemon juice and just a little bit of fresh lemon zest. It will transform the dish into a completely different flavor. Lemon in pasta adds a really nice freshness and it pairs beautifully with the basil, as well as asparagus or broccoli if you decide to use one of those veggies.

Get Cheesy With It!

If you want to make the dish extra fancy, you can add a little bit of vegan cheese. Pasta and cheese are obviously a match made in heaven.

You could add a soft goat-style cheese or a nice melty cheese like parmesan or mozzarella. I added a soft vegan goat-style cheese to mine which was coated with herbs de Provence. Simply. To. Die. For.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Here’s the simple process for making this dairy-free one-pot pasta! It’s easy and quick to make and even easier to clean up with just one pan!

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add mushrooms and continue sautéing for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 3: Pour in vegetable broth and milk, then bring the mixture to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. While pasta cooks, mix water and cornstarch in a small bowl until dissolved.

Step 4: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot, along with salt, pepper, and vegan butter. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Turn off the heat and stir in fresh basil. Serve the pasta, garnishing with additional pepper and basil leaves if desired.

Vegan One-Pot Pasta Meal Prep

This vegan one-pot pasta is especially great for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge and can really easily be reheated. I personally love to incorporate a little bit of self-care into every day of the week (we all deserve that!). I like the idea of making a really special meal and preparing it for work. When it’s your lunch break, you’ll be so excited to heat up that delicious fancy pasta that’s been waiting for you all morning, and your co-workers will be drooling. It’s the little things in life after all!

Make It a Date Night!

Whether you’re cooking dinner for a special someone or just treating yourself to a solo night in (holler, self-love!), this is a great choice. It looks especially fancy with some finely sliced fresh basil and a few cracks of fresh ground pepper sprinkled on top.

Pair it with your favorite wine and maybe a side salad or some garlic bread and you’re set.

Want to Make It Gluten-Free?

Go ahead and make this meal gluten-free if you’d like. You can use traditional semolina noodles, whole wheat noodles, or gluten-free noodles—it’s totally up to you.

I personally like to use brown rice noodles when I cook gluten-free pasta because I love the taste, texture, and nutrition. You could also use corn pasta, white rice pasta, and other options too.

If you want to include more gluten-free meals in your diet, experiment with a recipe like this and find your favorite option! I used spaghetti noodles but you can use any long pasta. This dish is pretty close to alfredo, and it would be really delicious with fettuccine noodles or linguine noodles.

Print

Vegan One-Pot Pasta

Dinner made in a single pot? Oh yes! It’s possible, it’s delicious, and we’re about to show you how it’s done in this vegan one-pot pasta recipe. It’s easy. It’s creamy. It’s flavorful. It’s one of our most popular vegan pasta recipes here at World of Vegan!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword dairy-free pasta recipe, one-pot pasta recipe, vegan one-pot pasta, vegan pasta recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Calories 645kcal

Author Kathy Chrzaszcz | World of Vegan

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• ¼ cup roughly chopped yellow onion
• 4 medium cloves garlic minced
• 1½ cups mushrooms diced into small chunks
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1½ cups non-dairy milk unsweetened
• ½ pound dried pasta 230 grams (spaghetti, fettuccine, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 teaspoons corn starch
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter
• ¾ cup finely chopped fresh basil plus more for garnish

Instructions

• Heat a large pot with the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
• Add the mushrooms and sauté for another 5 minutes.
• Add the vegetable broth and milk then bring the mixture to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, or until the pasta is cooked and tender. This will take somewhere around 10-12 minutes but can vary depending on the type of pasta you use. Stir the pasta frequently.
• While the pasta is cooking, add the water and cornstarch to a small bowl and stir to dissolve the cornstarch.
• Add the cornstarch slurry, as well as the salt, pepper, and vegan butter to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens nicely.
• Turn the heat off and add the basil. Stir to combine. Plate the pasta and garnish with additional pepper and fresh basil if desired.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 645kcal | Carbohydrates: 102g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1892mg | Potassium: 820mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1174IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 309mg | Iron: 3mg

Vegan One-Pot Pasta photos by Kathy Chrzaszcz for World of Vegan. Recipe and photographs copyright of World of Vegan

, all rights reserved.

The post Creamy One-Pot Pasta {Vegan + Dairy-Free} appeared first on World of Vegan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the negatives to plant-based meats?

The main problem of plant-based protein is the absence of essential vitamins. Some essential amino acid, vitamin B12, as well as heme Iron, are less abundant in plant-based protein than animal proteins. Due to the high amount of preservation required, some plant-based meats have more sodium than real meat. Furthermore, purchasing quality vegan products from grocery stores or online outlets can be more expensive and time-consuming. Vegan alternatives might require more work during cooking, and may take longer to prepare.

Are you able to get enough protein with a plant-based lifestyle?

Yes, you can get enough nutrition from plant-based foods. The amino acids you need to build muscle, stay healthy, and maintain your health can be found in nuts, legumes and seeds as well as grains. Tofu, and other soybean products, contain all 9 essential amino acid that the body cannot make. Combining legumes and grains with vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and kale can provide sufficient protein to ensure adequate nutrition. Plant-based proteins tend to have lower levels in saturated fats than animal protein and can be used to support long-term satiety. Additional nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids can be added to plant-based diets through the addition of flaxseeds (chia seeds), walnuts, and hemp seeds.

Can I eat meat if I follow a plant-based diet

While plant-based diets don't allow for meat, fish or poultry, some food items can be made with limited animal products. For instance, some people on a plant-based diet still consume dairy or eggs in moderation. For those looking to move to a plantbased diet, there are many options. Plant-based diets emphasize fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds like oatmeal and quinoa as well as soy products and fortified food such as non-dairy coconut or almond milk.

There are many grocery stores that sell vegan products. Many soy-based meats, such as seitan (wheat Gluten), tempeh ("fermented soybeans"), and mock duck (made from mushrooms), can mimic traditional meat dishes' flavor and texture. You can get a vegetarian burger made from black beans and quinoa, which are very similar to beef burgers.

For those who are looking for more than just a replacement for their favorite carnivorous foods, there are many plant-based alternative options. Tofu mayo, coconut bacon strips, eggplant bacon bits, and veggie hot dogs made from seasoned textured soybean protein are some vegan alternatives. All of these delicious options can also be used to make faux chicken strips with wheat gluten. Furthermore, while some processed forms of fermented fungi, like mushrooms, taste like something similar to steak or pork when cooked properly, they can have similar sensory properties as meat but with significantly less environmental impact due to their far lower water use when compared with livestock production. The best part about switching to a plantbased diet is that meat that was once consumed can be replaced by these alternatives.

Is there any athlete or celebrity who advocates a plant-based diet for their health?

Yes, celebrities and athletes are big supporters of a plant based diet. Some of these include Kyrie, the NBA's player, Lewis Hamilton, the Formula 1 World Champion, Natalie Portman and Kenneth Farrow who are all NFL running backs. Each have chosen to live a vegetarian/vegan life for their reasons, and they have all achieved amazing results in their sports or creative endeavors. Actress Alicia Silverstone went as far as even writing a book about her experience with the vegan lifestyle titled Kind Diet. Novak Djokovic is a professional tennis player. He credits his remarkable habit of eating only organic vegan foods during competitions with his career success. The four professional athletes all point out some notable qualities such as increased energy, quicker recovery from injuries and better overall health and well-being. The success stories demonstrate that plant-based diets can be an effective tool for achieving better athleticism.

Are plant-based diets more costly than other diets.

Plant-based diets may not necessarily be more expensive than other diets. It is possible to eat a balanced, plant-based diet and not spend a lot of money on it. This depends on what you eat. You can find grains, beans as well as eggs, legumes, nuts, and potatoes at very low prices. They are also a great source for protein and have lower overall costs. You can reduce your food expenses by buying in bulk and taking advantage of sales. Apart from individual ingredients, you can also save money by purchasing ready-to cook plant-based meals.

Is it necessary to take supplements on a plant-based diet?

A balanced diet of plants can provide all the necessary nutrients to maintain good health. However certain micronutrients need to be supplemented to ensure they are not missing. Vitamin B12, which is important for cognitive and nervous system health, is typically only found in animals. Supplemental forms of this vitamin might be helpful to vegetarians and vegans. Many foods based on plants lack sufficient iron and zinc. These minerals are essential for healthy metabolism, red cell production, tissue growth and repair, as well as healthy metabolism. Also, Omega 3 fatty acid plays an important role in the normal functioning of the body. They help control inflammation and maintain proper brain function. Due to their biochemical characteristics, most plant-based foods do not contain omega-3s. Supplementation can help maintain a delicate balance of this essential nutrient. Last but not least, calcium is vital for maintaining strong bones. It can also be found in limited quantities through vegetables like broccoli and kale. You may want to supplement your diet if you have difficulty meeting your daily calcium requirements. It is always a good idea not to introduce new supplements without first consulting your doctor.

It is possible to switch to a plantbased diet.

It can be intimidating to switch to a plant-based diet, but it is possible. It is possible to gradually transition to a plant-based diet and make tweaks that feel doable. Since each person's needs are unique, tailoring the transition to one's specific lifestyle is important. To make it easier, you can arrange meals around whole foods instead of processed items. This will allow for adequate intake of both macronutrients and essential vitamins and mineral. It helps to create meals that people enjoy and suit their dietary needs.

Individuals can make it easier to stay focused on their goals of a transition to a plant-based diet by creating a support network made up of family members, friends, and certified health professionals. Cooking new recipes can bring excitement and variety to the journey. So that people don't feel deprived or bored, there are plenty of delicious vegan options. You can make the transition to plant-based eating easy by gradually changing while still being aware of your daily nutrient needs.

Statistics

• A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)
• According to research published, going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)

External Links

[TAG36]

• Weight Loss


• Plant-Based Diets and Omega-3 Fatty acids

[TAG39]

• ScienceDirect: Plant-Based Diets to Improve Personal, Population and Planetary Health

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• PubMed: Type 2 diabetes: How beta-cell function is affected over time - Long-term Model


• A Plant-Based Dietary Treatment Improves Beta Cell Function and Insulin Resistance In Overweight Adults: A Randomized 16-Week Clinical Trial - PubMed

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• Scientific Reports: An association between risk of breast carcinoma and plant-based dietary patterns.


• The carbon potential cost of animal-sourced land food production

How To

How to prepare plant-based dishes that are tasty and filling

You can cook plant-based meals that taste delicious and filling with the right ingredients and creative recipes. Start by buying fresh produce and other high-quality ingredients. Next, create a grocery shopping list that is based on the recipes you intend to make. You can also shop at local farmers' markets or health food stores. Also, make sure to invest in proper storage equipment to keep your prepared food fresh.

Next, focus on variety when meal prepping. This means that you should emphasize whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes, and legumes. Also, try to get different colors of produce for better nutrition. Every meal should have a balanced mix of fiber, proteins and healthy fats. Furthermore, utilize kitchen appliances such as slow cookers and multi-cookers for optimal efficiency - batch cooking simplifies preparing meals in advance.

It's possible to be creative while following a vegan diet. You can experiment with different flavor profiles. Adding spices such as chili powder and cayenne pepper to dishes can make them more delicious while keeping them healthy. Whole foods can transform bland plant-based meals into delicious, flavorful meals in minutes. You can use beans instead of "meats" and roasted butternut squash as an alternative to french fries. Remix leftovers from earlier weeks to make something new.

You can have a delicious, plant-based diet with these tips without having to sacrifice flavor or nutritional content. Get cooking!

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