Quick & Creamy Vegan Cheesy Pasta: Easy Dairy-Free Dinner with Olive Oil Cubes

Inspired by: @iszy

Craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that's completely dairy-free and comes together quickly? This recipe is your answer! It transforms a unique olive oil-based vegan cheese into a wonderfully creamy sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, this easy recipe is designed to impress with its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, solving the common dilemma of finding truly meltable vegan cheese.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out by utilizing olive oil-based vegan cheese cubes, which are known for their excellent melting properties and rich flavor profile, a welcome alternative to many coconut oil-based options. It’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for:

• A quick and easy plant-based meal: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Dairy-free comfort food: Satisfies cheese cravings without any animal products.
• Versatility: Great as a main course, or even as a side dish. The cheese cubes themselves are also fantastic on a charcuterie board or crumbled over a fresh salad!
• A unique texture: The olive oil base ensures a smooth, creamy melt that truly enhances the pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (approx.) olive oil-based vegan cheese cubes (look for options at Whole Foods or similar stores)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup diced or crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for sautéing
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon basil purée (like Green kitchen basil purée)
• 8 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli work great)
• 2 tablespoons vegan parmesan (such as Trader Joe's vegan parmesan, optional but recommended)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Reserved pasta water (essential for creaminess!)

Instructions

1. Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the frozen peas and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly and the peas to tenderize.
4. Stir in the Italian seasoning and basil purée. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetable mixture.
6. Crumble or chop the olive oil-based vegan cheese cubes directly into the pasta. Add the vegan parmesan, if using.
7. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir continuously, allowing the vegan cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations & Adaptations

• Add more veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be delicious additions. Sauté them with the garlic for best results.
• Boost the protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas, white beans, or sliced vegan sausage for a heartier meal.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning for a subtle kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a completely gluten-free meal.
• Make it richer: A splash of unsweetened plant milk (like oat milk or soy milk) can be added with the pasta water for extra creaminess.

Tips for Success

• Don't skip the pasta water! This starchy water is crucial for creating a smooth, emulsified, and truly creamy sauce that helps the vegan cheese melt beautifully and cling to the pasta. It's the secret ingredient for restaurant-quality texture.
• Taste and adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
• Quality ingredients matter: Using a good quality olive oil and flavorful vegan cheese will elevate your dish significantly.

Related Articles

• Discover another delicious Vegan No-Tuna Pasta Salad: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe.
• For more cheesy pasta goodness, try our popular Vegan Mac N' Cheese Recipe.
• Explore how to make Easy Vegan Lasagna for Two for another Italian favorite.
• Thinking of a party? Get inspired with our guide to an Epic Vegan Charcuterie Board.

We hope you enjoy this easy and satisfying vegan cheesy pasta! Give it a try and share your delicious creations on abillion – we'd love to see how it turns out!