Creamy Vegan Broccoli & Shells Recipe
This creamy vegan broccoli and shells recipe is a comforting, plant-based pasta dish featuring tender broccoli florets and shells in a rich, dairy-free cream sauce. Enhanced with crispy shallots, smoky paprika, and fresh thyme, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 shallots, sliced in rounds
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta & Broth
- 3/4 pound dry pasta shells
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups vegan chicken broth
- 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
Vegan Dairy Alternatives
- 1 cup vegan cream (such as Ripple)
- 1/2 cup vegan parmesan
- 2 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Crispy Shallots: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and cook for several minutes, turning frequently, until they become crispy. Once crispy, remove the shallots from the skillet and set aside, keeping the remaining oil for later use.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Pour the reserved oil into a large stock pot and heat over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and garlic; cook for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Herbs: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped thyme. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Add dry pasta shells, broccoli florets, vegan chicken broth, and non-dairy milk to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta has absorbed the liquid, about 8-10 minutes.
- Incorporate Vegan Creams and Cheese: Stir in the vegan cream, vegan parmesan, and vegan cream cheese. Continue cooking and stirring for approximately 5 minutes until the pasta is fully tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy broccoli and shells hot, topped with the crispy shallots for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth to keep this dish fully plant-based.
- Stir frequently while cooking pasta to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For a nuttier flavor, substitute vegan parmesan with nutritional yeast if desired.
- Ensure non-dairy milk and cream are unsweetened to avoid altering the savory profile.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of non-dairy milk to restore creaminess.
Keywords: vegan pasta, broccoli shells, creamy vegan pasta, dairy-free pasta, plant-based dinner, easy vegan recipe
