Creamy Vegan Broccoli Shells Recipe: A Comforting Plant-Based Delight

Comfort meets plant-based magic in this delectable vegan broccoli shells recipe that promises creamy, dreamy goodness.

Tender pasta shells nestle perfectly with vibrant green broccoli florets, creating a wholesome meal packed with flavor and nutrition.

The rich, silky sauce blends cashews and nutritional yeast into a luscious coating that clings to every shell.

Healthy eating never looked so indulgent or satisfying.

You’ll fall in love with each forkful of this creamy, plant-powered delight.

Simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy dish that will impress even the most skeptical dinner guests.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this nourishing, crowd-pleasing meal.

Creamy Vegan Broccoli & Shells Taste Perks

• Savor Quick Comfort: Dive into a one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal without endless kitchen work.
• Celebrate Plant-Based Deliciousness: Enjoy a fully vegan dish packed with rich flavors and nutritious broccoli that even non-vegans will love.
• Master Easy Cooking Techniques: Learn to create crispy shallots and a luxurious sauce while developing professional-level culinary skills in just a few simple steps.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet: Whip up a restaurant-quality meal using affordable ingredients that stretch your grocery budget without compromising on taste.

Ingredients for Vegan Broccoli and Shells

• Pasta Shells: A classic pasta shape with curved edges that perfectly captures the creamy sauce.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and vibrant color to the dish.
• Plant-Based Milk: Provides creaminess and helps cook the pasta in this vegan recipe.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta and broccoli.

• Shallots, Onion, Garlic: Provide a rich, aromatic base that builds complex flavor in the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the recipe.

• Vegan Cream, Vegan Cheese: Create a rich, creamy texture and add a luxurious dairy-free finish to the pasta.
• Cooking Oil: Used for sautéing shallots and creating a flavorful base for the sauce.

Steps for Vegan Broccoli & Shells Dish

Step 1: Sizzle Shallots

Slice shallots thinly and heat oil in a skillet.

Carefully fry shallots until golden brown and crispy, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Transfer crispy shallots to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside the flavorful oil for the next steps.

Step 2: Craft Flavor Base

Pour the reserved shallot oil into a large pot.

Dice onions and mince garlic, then sauté them in the fragrant oil.

Sprinkle in a blend of dried herbs and spices, allowing the aromatics to bloom and release their rich flavors.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Vegetables

Add shell pasta, chopped broccoli florets, vegetable broth, and plant-based milk to the pot.

Stir everything together and let simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.

Cook until the pasta becomes tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, creating a creamy texture.

Step 4: Create Dreamy Finish

Splash in vegan cream and sprinkle dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Gently stir and continue cooking until the pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency and the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth.

Garnish the dish with the previously prepared crispy shallots for a delightful crunch.

Pro Tips for Creamy Vegan Pasta Success

• Slice shallots thinly and evenly for uniform browning, using medium-low heat to prevent burning.
• Reserve shallot-infused oil to add extra richness and nutty undertones to the sauce.
• Stir frequently during cooking to ensure even liquid absorption and prevent shells from clumping together.
• Add extra plant-based milk if sauce becomes too thick, creating a smoother, more luxurious texture.
• Replace some broth with nutritional yeast for added protein and a cheesy flavor profile without dairy.

Vegan Broccoli & Shells Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Nut-Based Cream Alternative: Swap cashew cream for traditional vegan cheese, blending soaked cashews with nutritional yeast for a rich, creamy texture.
• Protein-Packed Option: Add cubed tofu or tempeh during the cooking process to increase protein content and provide additional plant-based nutrients.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta shells with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the dish's creamy consistency.

Serving Vegan Broccoli & Shells with Flair

• Comforting Family Feast: Serve this creamy pasta in large, warm bowls garnished with extra crispy shallots for a delightful crunch.
• Green and Gorgeous Plating: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to add vibrant color and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the creamy texture.
• Protein Power-Up: Add roasted chickpeas or crumbled plant-based sausage on top for extra protein and a satisfying hearty element that makes the dish more filling.
• Side Dish Harmony: Pair with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.

Storing Creamy Vegan Broccoli & Shells

• Store cooled pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce might thicken, so gently reheat with a splash of plant-based milk to restore its silky texture.
• Carefully transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a little extra milk or vegetable broth to revive the creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure all other ingredients like seasonings are certified gluten-free.

• Is this dish protein-rich?

While this recipe is primarily carbohydrate and vegetable-based, you can add plant-based protein like nutritional yeast, tofu crumbles, or chickpeas to increase protein content.

• How can I make the sauce creamier?

Use full-fat coconut milk or add extra vegan cream cheese to enhance the sauce’s richness and texture.

• Can I substitute broccoli with another vegetable?

Absolutely! Cauliflower, kale, or spinach work great as alternative green vegetables in this recipe.

Creamy Vegan Broccoli Shells Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets plant-based perfection in these luscious vegan broccoli shells, blending rich cashew cream with tender pasta and roasted greens. Nourishing and indulgent, this dish promises a delightful journey through wholesome flavors you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 shallots, sliced in rounds
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Pasta and Base:

• 0.75 pound (12 ounces) pasta shells
• 2 cups vegan chicken broth
• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• 1 cup non-dairy cream

Seasonings and Dairy Alternatives:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 cup vegan parmesan
• 2 tablespoons vegan cream cheese

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Instructions

1. Sauté sliced shallots in oil until golden and crisp, rotating frequently. Extract and set aside the infused oil.
2. Utilize the reserved oil to sauté diced onions and minced garlic for approximately 3 minutes. Introduce selected seasonings and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Combine shell pasta, fresh broccoli florets, vegetable broth, and plant-based milk into the aromatics. Maintain a gentle simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
4. Incorporate vegan cream and nutritional yeast, stirring thoroughly. Continue cooking for 5 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture and liquid reduces to a creamy consistency.
5. Transfer to serving dish and garnish with previously prepared crispy shallots, creating a delightful textural contrast and enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Enhance shallot crispiness by slicing thinly and using medium-low heat to prevent burning.
• Swap dairy-free milk options like oat or almond milk for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Reserve some pasta water as a backup to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Optional nutritional boost by adding nutritional yeast for extra cheesy, umami flavor without dairy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg