Description
Enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition with this Creamy Vegan Broccoli & Shells recipe! Featuring tender pasta shells coated in a luscious, dairy-free sauce and complemented by vibrant broccoli florets, this dish is creamy, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 3/4 lb dry pasta shells
- 2 cups vegan broth (chicken-style preferred)
- 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1 cup non-dairy cream (Ripple or similar)
- 1/2 cup vegan parmesan
- 2 tbsp vegan cream cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shallots and onion, sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- Add broccoli florets to the skillet and stir to coat in seasonings.
- Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes until tender.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in remaining broth, non-dairy milk, and non-dairy cream.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add vegan parmesan and vegan cream cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.
- Combine Everything:
- Add cooked pasta shells to the skillet and toss until well-coated.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle fresh thyme and additional vegan parmesan on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat non-dairy milk like cashew or oat milk.
- Stir in nutritional yeast for added cheesiness.
- Cook broccoli separately for a firmer texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a splash of broth or non-dairy milk to keep it creamy.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Comfort Food