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Vegan Pastina

A delightful and comforting vegan dish featuring tiny, star-shaped pasta in a creamy broth, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegan
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup stelline or pastina pasta Tiny pasta shapes that offer playful texture.
  • 2 ¼ cups vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth Flavorful base for the dish.
  • 3 tablespoons vegan butter Adds creaminess and richness.
  • ⅓ cup grated vegan parmesan cheese Brings nutty, cheesy flavor.
  • ¾ cup water Used to help create a creamy sauce.
  • ¼ cup raw cashews or sunflower seeds Provides a nutty flavor and creaminess.
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast Adds cheesy depth of flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon granulated onion Infuses dish with sweetness and aroma.
  • ½ teaspoon granulated garlic Adds savory depth.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Essential for balancing flavors.
  • to taste fresh cracked pepper Adds a spicy kick.
  • to garnish finely chopped fresh parsley Optional, for added freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring broth to a boil by heating a medium pot over medium-high heat and covering it.
  2. Once boiling, add the stelline or pastina pasta and cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. When pasta is al dente and broth is mostly absorbed, stir in the vegan butter until melted.
  4. Add grated vegan parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In another pot, heat a large pot of water (around 8 cups) until boiling.
  2. Add the stelline or pastina pasta, stirring to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente and drain, saving about ¾ cup of the pasta water.
  3. In a blender, combine the reserved water, raw cashews or sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, granulated onion, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
  4. Return the cooked pasta to the pot, add the smooth sauce, and stir well to coat.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately, garnished with more vegan parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze without garnishes for up to a month. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.