Introduction: Experience the harmonious fusion of earthy mushrooms, delicate leeks, and savory pasta in our Vegan Leek and Mushroom Pasta recipe. Crafted with care and attention to detail, this dish is a celebration of plant-based ingredients and culinary creativity. Join us on a journey of flavor exploration as we delve into the art of vegan cooking and discover the beauty of simple, yet satisfying, pasta dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (such as linguine or fettuccine)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 leeks, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms work well)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth or white wine (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for added cheesy flavor)
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water, and set aside.

2. Sauté the Leeks and Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and mushrooms to the skillet, sautéing until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add the Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Deglaze the Pan (Optional): For added depth of flavor, deglaze the skillet with vegetable broth or white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

5. Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the unsweetened almond milk, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Season and Add Nutritional Yeast: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. For a cheesy flavor boost, stir in nutritional yeast until well incorporated.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.

8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Vegan Leek and Mushroom Pasta with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 10g
    • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 55g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 10g

SmartPoints® (Weight Watchers): Each serving contains approximately 7 SmartPoints®.

Conclusion: With its rich flavors and creamy sauce, our Vegan Leek and Mushroom Pasta is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of plant-based cooking. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or served up for special occasions, this dish is sure to satisfy both vegans and non-vegans alike. Join us in savoring the goodness of wholesome ingredients and embracing the joy of compassionate cooking.