Loaded Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta
shared by Jennifer
Details:
-
PT10M
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes PT10M
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes PT25M
- Total Time: 25 Minutes
- Difficulty: Novice
- Serves: 4 people
- Cuisine: American
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, until al dente (do not overcook).Drain the pasta i
Ingredients:
- 6 ounces dried orecchiette pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus a dash
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
- 1 cup unflavored and unsweetened non-dairy milk of choice (such as soy or almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour (all-purpose works too)
- 1/2 cup vegan pesto
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooked (or canned) chickpeas
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1 cup fresh arugula, packed
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice, optional (see note), to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, until al dente (do not overcook).
- Drain the pasta into a colander, return it to the pot, and toss with a dash of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Coat the bottom of a large pot with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil and place it over medium heat.
- When the oil is hot, whisk in the flour. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture darkens a bit and begins to smell nutty.
- Whisk in the coconut milk and other non-dairy milk. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer, whisking frequently, for about 7 minutes, until it thickens up a bit.
- Stir in the pesto, cherry tomatoes and cooked pasta. Allow the sauce to continue simmering for about 1 minute. It should thicken up a bit more and coat the pasta.
- Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the chickpeas, olives and arugula. Stir just until the arugula begins to wilt.
- Taste-test and season with lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Divide onto plates and serve.