We're sharing a mouthwatering recipe for a healthy vegan spinach pasta sauce that is not only oil-free, but also bursting with flavor. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just starting to explore the wonders of plant-based cooking, this recipe will have you hooked from the very first bite.
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Say goodbye to boring meals and let's embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you feeling nourished, satisfied, and excited about eating your greens! Get ready for a simple and flavorful homemade dish that will revolutionize your perception of healthy eating.
This recipe pairs well with my caprese salad, bruschetta.
Ingredients
A quick ingredient list, what you will need to make this creamy spinach sauce. You will need simple ingredients, you will probably have most of them in your pantry.
You can find the ingredients with quantities and the recipe to print out on the recipe card below.
- Fresh Spinach (Baby Spinach)
- Yellow Onion, medium
- White Beans
- raw cashews
- Vegetable Broth
- Nutritional Yeast
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Seal Salt/ Pink Salt
- Black Pepper
- Nutmeg
- Lemon Juice
- White Wine Vinegar
- Pasta of your choice
Substitutions
- Fresh Spinach: For this spinach recipe, you can also use frozen spinach, just let it thaw for a few minutes before you use it.
- White Beans: Instead of white beans, you can also use tofu to make it creamy and add some protein.
- Cashews: Like always, you can substitute the cashews with raw sunflower seeds.
- Vegetable Broth: Instead use some coconut milk, just leave out the cashews and you get a creamy sauce.
- White Wine Vinegar: I love to add white wine vinegar to this creamy spinach pasta sauce, you can also add normal vinegar.
- Nutmeg: As you have seen, I love to add nutmeg to my recipes like mashed potatoes. It gives a unique flavor. You can also omit this spice.
- Lemon Juice: I usually squeeze some lemon or lime in my greens to help to absorb iron. You can also add some other vitamin C rich vegetable like bell peppers.
- Pasta: Serve this vegan pasta sauce with your favorite pasta. Any type of pasta will work like gluten-free pasta, whole wheat pasta, brown rice pasta, red lentil pasta.
Variations
- Greens: Instead of spinach, you can use a combination of spinach and other greens, like arugula or kale.
- Protein: Top your pasta with some white beans, crispy tofu cubes or tempeh.
- Roasted Veggies: You can always add some roasted veggies to your vegan spinach pasta recipe.
- Artichoke: I love the combination of spinach and artichoke hearts, add some quartered artichokes to your sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: To enhance the flavor or even add some more flavor you add some fresh herbs of your choice like basil, parsley, cilantro, chives.
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese: I love to sprinkle some vegan Parmesan cheese over this healthy pasta dish right before serving. Or add a spoon of vegan cream cheese.
- Spicy: For those that love spicy, add some red pepper flakes or chili flakes.
Instructions
Cook your pasta according to the package directions, al dente.
Start by sautéing the diced onions in a little water on medium heat. Once they get a translucent, add the spinach. Let the spinach wilt and sauté it until you do no longer smell the fresh spinach smell. Add the spinach onions in a high speed blender with all the other ingredients and blend until very creamy.
Drain the cooked pasta and toss the pasta with the spinach sauce. it is ready to serve.
Make this recipe, check out my vegan spinach artichoke pinwheels, vegan creamed spinach, Lemon pasta with spinach.
Equipment
To make this easy pasta recipe, you will need the following:
Storage
How to store leftovers?
- Fridge: You can store leftovers in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature before you put it in the fridge. It will last in the fridge for about 5 days.
- Freeze: I recommend to just freeze the spinach sauce on its own and cook some fresh pasta with it. The sauce can be frozen for upto 3 months.
- Reheat: You can use the microwave or the stove to reheat the spinach pasta sauce. Possibly the sauce thickened, you can add some more liquid until thickness is to your liking. Add almond milk, water or vegetable broth.
Serving Suggestions
You can just serve this delicious pasta dish on its own or add some more. I love the following:
- Side Salad
- Roasted Vegetables: Bell Peppers, Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli. I serve them on the side or mix them with the pasta.
- Bread: I love to dip good bread like my seed bread, gluten-free bread, baguette in my spinach pasta.
- Protein: Like mentioned above, add some extra protein like crispy tofu cubes, tempeh, white beans. Or even chickpeas.
- Toppings: Top this homemade pasta meal with toasted pine nuts, hemp seeds or vegan Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Pasta Water: Save some of the pasta water to add to your spinach sauce. Especially if it is too thick, you can use it to thin the sauce.
- Seasoning: As I always recommend, season to your own taste. Recipes are guidelines, you can always add or leave out seasoning to your liking.
- Get creative with leftovers: This luscious spinach sauce isn't just for pasta. Transform it into a zesty salad dressing, mix it into hearty grains, or add a dollop to your savory potatoes.
FAQ
Discover the wonders of spinach and why it has been a staple in our diets since childhood. Packed with essential vitamins like A, C, and K, this leafy green is your ultimate immune-boosting ally. But that's not all - spinach also delivers plant-based iron for healthy blood and contains calcium and folic acid in optimal amounts. Say goodbye to oxidative stress and inflammation with its powerful antioxidants. Plus, it's armed with plant compounds that enhance heart health, promote better vision, and fight off infections. And let's not forget about its impact on blood pressure - nitrates in spinach do wonders for your cardiovascular wellness. Dive into the realm of spinach and unlock a world of health benefits you won't want to miss out on. (healthline)
I do not recommend it. It will work better with a high-powered blender. You could try with an immersion blender, but you will not get the spinach pasta sauce as creamy, especially with the cashews and white beans.
📖 Recipe
Vegan Spinach Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 10 oz 280g) Fresh Spinach (Baby Spinach)
- 1 Yellow Onion medium
- 1 can White Beans drained
- ½ cup 70g raw cashews
- ½ cup - 1 cup 120-240ml Vegetable Broth
- ¼ cup Nutritional Yeast
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- Seal Salt/ Pink Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
- Lemon Juice of a half lemon
- 1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar
- 14 oz 400g Pasta of your choice
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Ensure to periodically check your pasta to avoid overcooking.
- Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, add a bit of water and set over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent. This process should take about 5 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Once the onions are ready, add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Sauté the spinach with the onions, stirring frequently, until the spinach has wilted, and the raw spinach smell is no longer present. This step is crucial for developing the flavor.
- Blend the Sauce: Transfer the sautéed spinach and onions into a high-speed blender. Add the garlic, cashews, nutritional yeast (if using), veggie broth, lemon juice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Blend on high until the mixture becomes very creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain your cooked pasta well and return it to the pot. Pour the creamy spinach sauce over the pasta and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve: Your Vegan Spinach Pasta Sauce is now ready to be served. Enjoy this creamy, nutritious dish as is, or use it as a base for other side dishes.
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