Healthy and Delicious: Vegetable Pasta Recipe
Welcome, my dear readers! Today, I am excited to share with you my creamy gluten-free vegetable pasta recipe. This mouthwatering and nutritious recipe is perfect for those seeking a hearty and wholesome meal that’s both delicious and easy to make.
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I know how important it is to nourish our bodies properly. That’s why I love creating recipes that not only taste great but are also packed with healthy ingredients. And this creamy vegetable pasta recipe is no exception.
Whether you follow a gluten-free or dairy-free diet, or you’re simply looking for a wholesome plant-based meal, this recipe has got you covered. With its rich, creamy texture and flavorful blend of veggies, you won’t even miss the traditional alfredo sauce.
So, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this creamy gluten-free vegetable pasta recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, let’s grab our aprons and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both healthy and delicious, then you are going to love this Creamy Gluten Free Vegetable Pasta Recipe. Whether you’re a gluten-free eater or a vegan, this recipe is the perfect choice that meets your dietary needs while tantalizing your taste buds.
One of the reasons why this recipe stands out is its creamy texture which is derived not from heavy cream, but coconut milk – a healthy alternative to dairy products. This makes it suitable for those looking for dairy-free options. The sauce is also blended with fresh ingredients including red pepper flakes, black pepper, garlic and butter to give it the perfect savory taste.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility – you can use any gluten-free or vegan pasta of your choice along with different veggies like broccoli or spinach. This makes it ideal for anyone who wants to switch up their meal routine and try something new without sacrificing on taste.
Finally, this recipe is so easy to prepare – it requires only simple ingredients and 30 minutes of cooking time. It’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still want a healthy meal.
In summary, this Creamy Gluten Free Vegetable Pasta Recipe offers deliciousness and health all in one dish. So why not try it today and see why it’s quickly becoming a staple in many households?
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this creamy gluten-free vegetable pasta recipe:
- Gluten-free vegan pasta: 9 ounces. You can use any pasta shape of your choice, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- Assorted vegetables: 4 cups. You can use any combination of vegetables you like. I recommend using broccoli, red bell pepper, and zucchini.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Minced garlic: 1-2 cloves for added flavor.
- Vegetable broth: 1 cup, for the base of the sauce.
- Coconut milk: 1 cup, to make it creamy without dairy.
- Tomato sauce: 1 cup of your favorite brand.
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup if not vegan and with no gluten concerns.
- Vegan butter: 2 tablespoons to add richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) if you want extra spice in your dish.
Most of these ingredients are staple items you may already have in your pantry, but feel free to swap them or add more ingredients depending on your dietary preferences or availability.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve covered why you’ll love this creamy gluten-free vegetable pasta recipe, let’s have a look at how to make it. Don’t worry, this recipe is super easy and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredient Preparation
First thing first. Before you begin cooking, here are the ingredients you will need for the recipe:
- 9 ounces of gluten-free vegan pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of butter (vegan if preferred)
- 1 cup sliced vegetables (mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions)
- 4 cups of vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1/4 cup of minced garlic
- A pinch of black pepper and red pepper flakes
- A handful of grated parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan cheese substitute
Now, let’s get cooking!
Step-by-step Guide
- Cook the pasta according to the package direction in a pot.
- While your pasta is cooking, heat up a skillet over medium heat.
- Add in the olive oil and then add in diced vegetables to sauté for about 3 minutes.
- Once the veggies are tender, remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for approximately 2 minutes until lightly browned.
- Pour in vegetable broth or water with coconut milk and stir.
- Increase heat to medium-high to bring to a simmer then reduce heat once more and continue to simmer for about five minutes.
- The sauce should be thickening by now. Add a pinch of black pepper and red pepper flakes stir.
- Add cooked veggies and stir.
- Drain the pasta over the sink and rinse with warm water. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Toss everything together with a handful of grated parmesan cheese or vegan parmesan cheese substitute, until evenly distributed.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Done!
Your creamy gluten-free vegetable pasta recipe is ready to enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
You can easily customize this creamy gluten-free vegetable pasta recipe by swapping out some ingredients or adding in new ones to create endless variations. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
– For a dairy-free version of this recipe, skip the parmesan cheese and butter and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. You can also add a dollop of hummus for extra creaminess.
– If you’re not a fan of vegan pasta, you can use regular gluten-free pasta or even whole wheat pasta if you don’t have any dietary restrictions.
– Switch up the vegetables in this recipe based on what’s in season or whatever you have on hand. Broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach are all great options.
– Add some protein to this dish by pan-frying some chicken breast or tofu with the vegetables before adding in the sauce.
– If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle some vegan chili sauce over the top.
– For a fun twist on classic alfredo sauce, add in some minced garlic and fresh lemon juice. Top it off with sliced cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a delicious tomato basil variation.
– Turn this recipe into a cheesy delight with pasta shells and shredded cheddar cheese for a baked mac and cheese-style dish.
– If you want to maximize nutrition in your dish, try making it into a “pasta primavera.” Toss your veggies with vegetable broth instead of oil for added health benefits.
Now that you have some inspiration, go ahead and experiment with your own twists on the classic creamy gluten-free vegetable pasta recipe. Don’t be afraid to try something new – who knows, you might just discover your new favorite dish!
Serving and Pairing
I like to serve this creamy gluten-free vegetable pasta hot with some freshly-grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top. The combination of the tangy parmesan and spicy red pepper flakes nicely balances the creaminess of the sauce.
For a vegan option, you can use nutritional yeast as a substitute for the parmesan cheese. You can also add some sliced avocado or tofu for added protein and creaminess.
This pasta dish pairs well with a side salad or some roasted vegetables to add more veggies to your meal. You could try pairing it with a light and crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creaminess of the sauce.
Overall, this vegetable pasta recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner at home or for entertaining guests.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re like me, you appreciate a meal that can be made ahead of time and still taste just as delicious heated up the next day. Luckily, this creamy gluten-free vegetable pasta recipe fits the bill perfectly!
To make ahead: You can cook the pasta and veggies up to two days in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply rewarm the pasta and veggies together in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding the sauce.
To store: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It will be creamier upon reheating if you add a splash of coconut milk or vegetable broth when reheating.
To reheat: To reheat, gently warm it up on low heat on the stovetop, adding small amounts of liquid (coconut milk or vegetable broth) as needed to maintain the creamy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave by adding a splash of liquid (water or coconut milk) and heating it in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
By making this creamy gluten-free vegetable pasta recipe ahead of time, you save time and energy during busy weeknights. Plus, when stored and reheated properly, it is just as delicious as when first served!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking creamy vegetable pasta can be a delicate process, especially when you’re dealing with gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients. Here are some tips for making sure your pasta turns out perfect every time:
1. Cook the pasta just until al dente.
Overcooked or mushy pasta ruins the texture of the dish. Gluten-free pasta tends to cook more quickly than wheat-based pasta, so keep an eye on it and check it often for doneness.
2. Reserve some pasta water.
Before draining the cooked pasta, scoop out about a cup of the starchy water and set it aside. You may need to add it later to thin out the sauce or help it bind together.
3. Use a combination of vegetable broth and coconut milk.
For a creamy and flavorful sauce that’s dairy-free and gluten-free, mix 1 cup of vegetable broth with 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk. This provides richness and depth to the sauce without adding dairy.
4. Add in the vegetables gradually.
To keep the veggies crunchy and not overcooked, pan-fry them in batches until they’re lightly browned on all sides. Add them in as you finish cooking each batch, stirring well so they’re well distributed throughout the pasta.
5. Don’t forget garlic and red pepper flakes.
These ingredients add an extra depth of flavor and spice to the dish. Season to taste, but don’t overdo it – you don’t want it to be too spicy!
By following these simple tips, you’ll have a perfectly creamy gluten-free vegetable pasta that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this creamy gluten-free vegetable pasta recipe is a game changer that will leave you feeling satisfied and guilt-free. From the deliciously creamy sauce made with coconut milk and hummus, to the tasty combination of gluten-free vegetables – this dish has everything you could want in a pasta recipe. Moreover, it’s dairy-free, vegan-friendly and packed with essential nutrients.
By using fresh organic ingredients and following these simple instructions, you can create a meal that’s both healthy and delicious. To top it all off, this recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking with substitutions and variations.
So why not try out this amazing recipe for yourself? Put your culinary skills to the test, and impress yourself with this healthy dish that doesn’t compromise on taste!
Creamy Gluten Free Vegetable Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 -3 teaspoons garlic
- black pepper
- red pepper flakes
- 9 ounces gluten-free fusilli
- 15 ounces alfredo sauce
- cooked vegetables (I used a pre-packaged bag of fresh cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli that I steamed and then choppe)
Instructions
- Saute garlic in olive oil and butter. Turn down heat to low, add parmesan cheese, black pepper and red pepper flakes to mixture. Keep Warm.
- Cook Pasta al dente. Drain and mix pasta into garlic sauce mixture. Pour jar of Alfredo sauce onto pasta and mix well. Fold in chopped vegetables.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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