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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Sauté sliced shallots in oil until golden and crisp, rotating frequently. Extract and set aside the infused oil.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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