Description
A quick and delicious Creamy Pasta Primavera featuring tender pasta, fresh vibrant vegetables, and a smooth plant-based cheese sauce. This flavorful, comforting dish is perfect for busy evenings or as a satisfying meal for any occasion, bringing freshness and indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 200g penne, fusilli, or spaghetti
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup snap peas
Sauce
- 100g plant-based cream cheese or shredded plant-based cheese
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons grape juice (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent (e.g., agar or carrageenan)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the vegetables and sauce.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic or garlic powder and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but retain some crispness.
- Make the creamy sauce: To the skillet with the vegetables, add the plant-based cheese, vegetable broth, grape juice (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and natural gelling agent. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables evenly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece of pasta with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Season with salt, black pepper, and sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley over the top.
- Serve warm: Serve immediately for the best texture, optionally garnished with extra fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
Notes
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for maximum flavor and color.
- Do not overcook vegetables to maintain their crisp texture.
- Stir the sauce often to prevent clumping and promote even melting of the plant-based cheese.
- A splash of grape juice lifts the sauce by adding natural acidity and balance.
- Cook pasta al dente to help hold the sauce better.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Creamy Pasta Primavera, plant-based cheese sauce, gluten free pasta, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner, colorful vegetables, easy pasta recipe
