Description
This Creamy Vegan Cajun Pasta is a flavorful and spicy plant-based dish featuring a luscious dairy-free sauce made with almond and coconut milk, seasoned with Cajun spices, and combined with sautéed vegetables and pasta for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine or linguine pasta
Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 zucchini, sliced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to be mixed later.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and zucchini and cook for an additional 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour in the unsweetened almond milk and canned coconut milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to combine all the ingredients.
- Thicken Sauce: Add the nutritional yeast and the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- For extra protein, add vegan sausage or tofu when sautéing the vegetables.
- The dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
