Vegan Pastina Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Meal

If you’re looking for a comforting, quick, and nourishing meal, this vegan pastina recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen repertoire. Pastina, the tiny star-shaped pasta traditionally served in broths or light sauces, has been a beloved staple in many households for generations.

Our vegan twist keeps all the warmth and simplicity of the classic dish while embracing wholesome, plant-based ingredients that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is a perfect way to bring a little joy and soul to the table.

This vegan pastina is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or when you want a soothing meal without too much fuss. Plus, it’s adaptable to various flavors and additions, so you can customize it to your liking.

With nourishing vegetable broth, a touch of nutritional yeast for that cheesy umami, and fresh herbs, this dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Let’s dive right into crafting this delightful vegan pastina!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan pastina recipe is a quick and easy meal that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s perfectly comforting and ideal when you need something light yet filling.

The tiny star pasta cooks in just minutes, absorbing the rich flavors of a homemade vegetable broth infused with herbs and a hint of garlic.

What makes it stand out is its versatility. You can serve it as a simple soup, add steamed veggies, or even pair it with a creamy vegan sauce like our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to elevate it even more.

It’s a great source of hydration and nutrition, especially when you’re feeling under the weather or craving a warm, cozy meal. Plus, it’s an excellent way to introduce kids to vegan meals since it’s mild and familiar.

Whether you’re vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this recipe won’t disappoint!

Ingredients

• 1 cup vegan pastina pasta (tiny star-shaped pasta or any small pasta)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Optional: 1/2 cup finely diced carrots or peas (for added veggies)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander or fine mesh strainer (optional)
• Knife and cutting board (for optional veggies)
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add the vegetable broth to the saucepan along with the dried thyme and oregano. Bring it to a gentle boil.
3. If using veggies, add diced carrots or peas to the broth now and simmer for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly.
4. Stir in the vegan pastina pasta and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the nutritional yeast. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The nutritional yeast gives a lovely cheesy flavor without any dairy.
6. Let the pastina sit for a minute or two so it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of your favorite plant-based milk or a dollop of cashew cream just before serving.”

You can easily customize this vegan pastina recipe based on what you have on hand. Try swapping the dried herbs for fresh basil or rosemary.

Add chopped spinach or kale for a green boost, or stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra punch of flavor.

Want a heartier dish? Add cooked chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.

For a touch of spice, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.

If you’re craving a richer pasta experience, pair this recipe with our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners as a luscious sauce topping or side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan pastina is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with many dishes. Serve it as a light lunch or a soothing dinner on its own, or accompany it with a fresh green salad for a more balanced meal.

For a complete comforting dinner, try serving it alongside our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to soak up the broth. It also goes well with steamed or roasted vegetables, or even a side of vegan meatballs for a more filling option.

Feeling adventurous? Use this pastina as a base for a vegan casserole or stir in some sautéed mushrooms and vegan cheese for an indulgent twist.

Conclusion

This vegan pastina recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something deeply satisfying and nourishing. Its quick preparation time makes it an excellent choice for busy days or whenever you need a cozy, wholesome meal that feels like a warm embrace.

With its adaptable nature, you can make this dish your own by adding your favorite herbs, vegetables, or plant-based proteins. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Don’t forget to explore other delicious vegan recipes like our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or the sweet delight of our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this comforting vegan pastina!

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