Cheesy Broccoli Pasta (vegan, oil free, gluten free option)

A cheesy, creamy, and easy-to-make pasta dish

Before I started my journey in plant-based eating, I used to love all things creamy and cheesy (especially when it came to pasta)! Alfredo, carbonara, and mac & cheese were some of my all-time favorites, and I was struggling to find a good store-bought option for when I wanted this type of pasta dish. I eventually decided to go the homemade route, and found a recipe that I absolutely love. The best part? This recipe still has the great flavor and texture of a creamy and cheesy pasta dish, but uses more nourishing ingredients.

Here are just some of the health benefits of the ingredients used in this recipe:

Cashews- a good source of magnesium, fiber, and healthy fats

Broccoli- a source of protein, antioxidants, and a variety of vitamins and minerals

Hummus- a source of protein, contributes to the creamy texture of the sauce

Nutritional yeast- provides vitamin B12 and adds a cheesy flavor

Note: You can choose any pasta you want for this recipe (gluten-free, whole wheat, or whatever you love), and if pasta isn't for you, feel free to try the same sauce on a different base, such as rice or quinoa!

Recipe-

Ingredients:

1 pack of pasta (can be gluten-free, whole wheat, or whichever kind you love)

1 cup broccoli

2 tbsp nutritional yeast

1 cup cashews (soaked overnight in room-temp water or 2 hours in hot water)

1 and 1/2 cup veggie broth (or water)

1/2 cup hummus

Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-step:

1. Cook pasta (or grain) according to package, adding in your broccoli 4-5 minutes before the pasta is supposed to be done

2. While the pasta is cooking, make your cashew cream by blending together your soaked and drained cashews with your veggie broth (or water)

3. In a large sauce pan on low heat, mix together the cashew cream, hummus, and nutritional yeast

4. Once the broccoli and pasta are done, drain and add to the sauce pan

5. Salt and pepper to taste

6. Stir, serve, and enjoy!