One-Pot Creamy Spinach Pasta
A delightful and easy creamy pasta dish with spinach, perfect for a cozy family dinner or quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Base ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter (or oil) Creates a luxurious base for your dish.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced or crushed) Aromatic and flavorful.
- 16 oz penne pasta The heart of the recipe.
- 3 cups vegetable stock Keeps the pasta moist.
Sauce ingredients
- 8 oz vegan cream cheese Gives the sauce its luxurious texture.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper Enhances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder Provides a savory backbone.
- to taste salt Essential for flavor.
Finishing ingredients
- 2 cups spinach (packed) Adds nutrition and color.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice Brightens the dish.
- to taste optional vegan parmesan Adds a delightful topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pan on medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, being careful not to burn it.
Cooking the Pasta
- Stir in the penne pasta and pour in the vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 6-8 minutes until al dente.
- If the pasta has absorbed most of the liquid and isn’t fully tender, add a splash more vegetable stock and continue to simmer.
Creating the Sauce
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the vegan cream cheese, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Reduce the heat to low and warm through.
Finishing Touches
- Fold in the spinach a handful at a time, then cover to wilt it gently.
- Mix in the lemon juice. If the sauce is too thick, add more vegetable stock or non-dairy milk.
Serving
- Serve warm, topped with vegan parmesan if desired.
Notes
Watch the garlic to prevent burning. Feel free to experiment with herbs or add a pinch of chili flakes for heat. To make it richer, add a splash of coconut cream before serving.