Cheese Vegan Protein Pasta Recipe for Healthy Meals

Craving a comforting pasta dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with vegan protein and a luscious cheesy flavor? You’re in the right place!

This Cheese Vegan Protein Pasta Recipe combines the creamy goodness of plant-based cheese alternatives with protein-rich ingredients to give you a meal that’s satisfying, nutritious, and 100% cruelty-free.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, exploring plant-based options, or simply looking for a healthier pasta alternative, this recipe brings together the best of taste and nutrition in one bowl.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends with a hearty, wholesome meal. Plus, it’s versatile—you can customize it to your liking with different veggies and spices.

Keep reading to discover why this recipe is a must-try and how to whip it up step-by-step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan protein pasta recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpea pasta and tofu to boost your protein intake without any animal products.

The creamy “cheese” sauce is made from cashews and nutritional yeast, delivering that irresistible cheesy tang without dairy. It’s also naturally gluten-free if you opt for gluten-free pasta varieties, making it suitable for many dietary needs.

Moreover, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, you’ll have a rich, creamy pasta ready in under 30 minutes.

The recipe is also adaptable, letting you add your favorite veggies or spices to create your own signature dish. For those who love a bit of spice, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika!

Lastly, it’s a fantastic way to sneak more plant-based protein into your diet while indulging in a comfort food classic. For more creative plant-based recipes, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or try a hearty option like the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe that’s also vegan-friendly with some tweaks.

Ingredients

• 8 oz chickpea pasta (or any vegan protein pasta)
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup firm tofu, crumbled (for added protein)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional veggies: spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms

Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• High-speed blender or food processor
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the cashew cheese sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender along with the plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until smooth: Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more plant-based milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Sauté the tofu: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add crumbled tofu and sauté for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden. If using optional veggies, add them halfway through cooking and sauté until tender.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Reduce heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with tofu and veggies. Pour the cashew cheese sauce over the pasta and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Warm through for 2-3 minutes, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to brighten the flavors.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately!

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute cashews with cooked white beans or cauliflower in the cheese sauce.

If you want to boost the protein even more, consider adding vegan sausage slices or steamed edamame. You can also swap chickpea pasta with lentil or black bean pasta for different flavors and textures.

To make the sauce extra creamy, blend in a tablespoon of tahini or a small amount of vegan cream cheese. If you prefer a tangier cheese sauce, increase the lemon juice or add a splash of apple cider vinegar.

For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha over the finished pasta. You can also stir in fresh basil or oregano for a more herbaceous note.

Don’t forget to explore other vegan-friendly recipes like our Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe for an exciting side or topping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan protein pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. A side of garlic bread made with vegan butter complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

For a Mediterranean flair, try serving with marinated olives and sun-dried tomatoes.

To impress guests, offer a topping bar with toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, and vegan parmesan shreds. This way, everyone can customize their bowls to their liking.

Looking for more pasta inspiration? Check out the Pesto Recipe Marcella Hazan for a classic twist or the Old Spaghetti Factory Broccoli Recipe for a vegetable-packed option.

Conclusion

This Cheese Vegan Protein Pasta Recipe is a fantastic example of how plant-based meals can be both nourishing and indulgent. By combining creamy cashew cheese sauce with protein-rich chickpea pasta and tofu, you get a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

It’s quick to make, adaptable, and packed with flavor, making it a reliable go-to in your recipe collection.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this pasta checks all the boxes. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility means you can keep it fresh by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite spices.

Don’t forget to explore other creative recipes on our site to keep your culinary adventures exciting!

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