Creamy Vegan Garlic Spaghetti
Indulge in the luscious simplicity of this Creamy Vegan Garlic Spaghetti, a dish that proves plant-based eating can be utterly decadent. Al dente spaghetti is coated in a velvety, rich sauce infused with an abundance of aromatic garlic and the savory depth of nutritional yeast. This quick-to-prepare meal offers unparalleled comfort and flavor without any dairy, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive, effortless gathering.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Quick and incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for any night of the week.
- Offers a rich, dairy-free creamy texture thanks to the clever use of almond milk and cornstarch.
- Bursting with robust garlic flavor that satisfies and comforts.
- A wholesome and satisfying meal that's entirely plant-based and incredibly delicious.
- Versatile and adaptable, allowing for easy additions of vegetables or protein.
Ingredients
- 340 grams (12 ounces) spaghetti
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large cloves garlic, finely minced
- 480 milliliters (2 cups) unsweetened plain almond milk
- 30 grams (2 tablespoons) nutritional yeast
- 8 grams (1 tablespoon) cornstarch, dissolved in 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) cold water to form a slurry
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, which typically takes 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) of the starchy pasta water. Drain the spaghetti thoroughly and set it aside.
- While the spaghetti cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and softened, taking care not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Gradually whisk in the unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast until smooth and well combined.
- Increase the heat slightly to medium. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the almond milk mixture while continuously whisking. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 2-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired creamy consistency. The cornstarch will help create a rich, coating texture.
- Add the cooked and drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Use tongs to toss the spaghetti, ensuring every strand is thoroughly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preference. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- Serve the creamy vegan garlic spaghetti immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired, for a touch of freshness and color. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful plant-based dish.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Large deep skillet or pan
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Garlic press or knife
Essential Success Tips
- Cook your spaghetti to a perfect al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won't hold the sauce as well.
- Be diligent about not burning the garlic. Sauté it gently over medium-low heat until fragrant, not browned, to avoid bitterness.
- Always reserve some pasta water. It's liquid gold for adjusting the sauce's consistency and helping it adhere to the pasta.
- Ensure your cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold water before adding it to the hot sauce to prevent lumps.
- Taste and season throughout the cooking process, especially at the end, to achieve the perfect balance of salt and pepper.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To deepen the garlic flavor, consider adding a thinly sliced garlic clove to your olive oil as it heats, letting it infuse, then removing it before adding the minced garlic. This provides a layered garlic aroma.
- For an even richer mouthfeel, a tablespoon of vegan butter can be whisked into the sauce at the very end, just before tossing with the pasta. This adds extra richness and gloss.
- Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end. The acidity brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the creamy sauce beautifully.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of almond milk or water to restore creaminess.
- Variations: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted broccoli to the pasta for added nutrition and flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat.
- For an extra cheesy flavor boost, stir in a spoonful of cashew cream or blend a small handful of soaked cashews directly into the almond milk before thickening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other plant-based milks for this recipe?
Yes, you can. Unsweetened soy milk or oat milk are excellent alternatives that will also provide a creamy texture. Just ensure they are unsweetened and plain to avoid altering the savory flavor profile.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To make the sauce thicker, you can create another small cornstarch slurry with 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water and whisk it in, cooking for an additional minute. To thin the sauce, gradually add more of the reserved pasta water or a splash of unsweetened almond milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This dish is wonderfully adaptable to incorporating vegetables. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes can be added to the skillet with the garlic or mixed in at the end with the spaghetti for a more complete meal.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: approximately 450, Protein: 18g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 60g, Fiber: 4g
Allergy Information
Contains tree nuts (almond milk). For a nut-free version, use unsweetened soy milk or oat milk. This dish is naturally dairy-free. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free spaghetti.
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