Looking for a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to whip up? Dive into the world of our creamy vegan shiitake kale pasta! This delightful Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something nutritious yet indulgent. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be savoring a rich, creamy sauce that envelops tender pasta, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and vibrant kale. Trust us, this is one meal you won’t want to miss—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of your favorite pasta, 1 cup of sliced shiitake mushrooms, 2 cups of chopped kale, 1 cup of coconut milk, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly browned.
- Next, add the chopped kale to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the kale is wilted and tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the mushroom and kale mixture.
- Pour in the coconut milk and stir everything together, allowing the mixture to heat through. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the creamy vegan shiitake kale pasta in bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves on top.
- Enjoy your delicious and creamy vegan shiitake kale pasta!
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta will work, whole grain or gluten-free options can add an extra nutritional boost. Experiment with shapes like fusilli or penne for a fun twist!
- Sauté with Care: When cooking the garlic, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. A little bit of char can add depth, but burnt garlic can ruin the dish.
- Customize Your Greens: If kale isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute with spinach or Swiss chard. Both will wilt nicely and complement the flavors beautifully.
- Enhance the Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, blend the coconut milk with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast before adding it to the pasta. This will give your sauce a cheesy flavor without any dairy!
- Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the fresh basil garnish! It adds a pop of freshness that elevates the dish and makes it visually appealing.
- Make it a Meal Prep Star: This pasta keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Just reheat gently and add a splash of coconut milk to revive the creaminess.
- Add Protein: For an added protein boost, consider tossing in some chickpeas or white beans. They pair wonderfully with the other ingredients and make the dish even more filling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg
