Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta

This Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. With a creamy sauce made from plant-based ingredients and earthy mushrooms, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. It’s vegan, dairy-free, and easy to make—your taste buds won’t miss the dairy one bit!

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your preferred pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the mushrooms)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Vegan Mushroom Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or any type you prefer)
• 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (or any plant-based cream)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Vegan Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. 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, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.

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Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

1. Once the mushrooms are cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the coconut milk and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
2. Add the dried thyme, nutritional yeast, and soy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
3. Add the lemon juice and taste the sauce, adjusting with more salt and pepper as needed.

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Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
2. Stir for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce and heat through.

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Step 5: Serve

1. Divide the creamy mushroom pasta among plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese (if using).
2. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Tips and Variations:

• Add more veggies: You can add other vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or zucchini to the pasta for added texture and flavor.
• Protein boost: Add some tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for extra protein if you’d like to make this dish even heartier.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make this dish gluten-free.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta is a comforting, rich, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for anyone craving a dairy-free and plant-based meal. With a luscious sauce and savory mushrooms, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re vegan or not, this pasta will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight meals!