Description
Hidden Veggie Pasta is a creamy, flavorful vegan pasta dish that cleverly incorporates roasted vegetables blended into a smooth sauce. Perfect for sneaking extra veggies into meals without sacrificing taste, this recipe features roasted cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, onion, and garlic combined with vegan cream cheese, tomato paste, and fresh basil for a rich and comforting meal that’s quick and ideal for weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For Roasted Vegetables:
- 5 oz Cherry Tomatoes
- 2 Medium Bell Peppers
- 3.5 oz Mushrooms, quartered (100 g)
- ½ Medium Zucchini
- 1 Onion
- 1 Whole Head of Garlic, top trimmed
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Vegan Cream Cheese
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 handful Fresh Basil
For the Pasta:
- 10 oz Pasta (for 4 servings)
- 1–2 tbsp Reserved Pasta Water
For Garnish:
- Fresh Basil Leaves (a few sprigs)
- Chili Flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Roast the Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, onion, and the whole garlic head on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- Blend the Sauce: Once the vegetables are roasted and slightly cooled, squeeze the cloves of garlic out of their skins into a blender. Add the roasted vegetables, vegan cream cheese, tomato paste, and fresh basil leaves. Blend everything until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1 to 2 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the blended veggie sauce into a pan over medium heat. Add the cooked pasta and toss well to combine. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce to your preferred consistency. Warm the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired for some heat.
Notes
- Roasting the vegetables is crucial as it intensifies their natural sweetness and flavor, creating a richer sauce.
- To boost protein, consider adding chickpeas, tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute.
- For a gluten-free option, replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Creamy Vegan Pasta, Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta, Easy Vegan Dinner Recipe, Easy Vegan Pasta Recipes, Hidden Veggie Pasta
