Vegan Easy Hummus Casarecce Pasta With Spinach Recipe

Welcome to our vegan kitchen! Today, we're embracing simplicity with a delectable yet easy-to-make recipe that marries the creaminess of homemade hummus with the savory goodness of casarecce pasta and nutrient-rich spinach. This casarecce pasta recipe can be modified and be turned into any variation of vegan hummus pasta.This is a great way to use fresh produce, fresh herbs. The key ingredient here is Hummus which makes a delicious sauce when mixed with fresh veggies and vegan cheeses. Let's dive into this flavorful vegan delight!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces casarecce pasta
• 1 cup homemade hummus
• ¼ cup pasta water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Zest from 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• Handful of fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook Casarecce Pasta:

• Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the casarecce pasta until it reaches al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Prepare Hummus-Based Sauce:

• In a bowl, mix together the homemade hummus, lemon juice, lemon zest, nutritional yeast, red pepper flakes, and a handful of torn fresh basil leaves.

3. Sauté Spinach and Combine with Sauce:

• In a large pan over medium heat, add olive oil and gently sauté the fresh spinach until wilted. Reduce heat and add the hummus mixture to the pan, stirring to combine.

4. Blend Pasta with the Sauce:

• Incorporate the cooked pasta into the pan with the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency while stirring well.

5. Final Touches and Serving:

• Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Dish:

• Effortless Perfection: With simple ingredients and minimal steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners or busy weeknights.
• Healthy Twist: Packed with plant-based protein from hummus and nutrients from fresh spinach, it's a nourishing choice.
• Airtight Storage: Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a delicious next-day lunch.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this hummus-infused casarecce pasta with a side of kalamata olives or a crisp salad for a complete meal. The creamy texture and delightful flavor profile make it a hit with both family and friends.

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Give this vegan hummus casarecce pasta with spinach a try and let us know your star-rated feedback! Share your creations on social media and spread the joy of easy, wholesome vegan recipes together.

Substitutions

Here are some possible substitutions for the ingredients used in the Vegan Hummus Casarecce Pasta with Spinach recipe:

1. Casarecce Pasta: If casarecce pasta isn't available, you can substitute it with other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle.
2. Homemade Hummus: Store-bought hummus can be used as a substitute for homemade hummus if you're short on time or don't have the ingredients to make it from scratch.
3. Fresh Basil Leaves: If fresh basil isn't accessible, try using dried basil. However, use it sparingly as dried herbs are more potent than fresh ones.
4. Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy flavor in vegan dishes, nutritional yeast is often used. If unavailable, you can skip it or add a touch of vegan parmesan cheese.
5. Fresh Spinach: Other leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, or arugula can substitute for spinach. Adjust the cooking time according to the green you choose.
6. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Avocado oil, coconut oil, or any neutral-flavored oil can be used instead of olive oil.
7. Red Pepper Flakes: If you don't have red pepper flakes, try using a pinch of cayenne pepper or omitting it if you prefer less heat.
8. Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Bottled lemon juice and pre-packaged lemon zest can be used as substitutes for fresh lemon if necessary. Just be aware of any added preservatives in bottled lemon juice.
9. Fresh Parsley: Substitute with fresh cilantro or skip the garnish altogether if desired.

Remember, while substitutions can work in most cases, they might slightly alter the taste or texture of the final dish. Adjust the quantities and flavors to suit your preferences and dietary requirements.

Variations

Here are some delightful variations you can try to customize the Vegan Hummus Casarecce Pasta with Spinach recipe:

1. Mushroom Medley: Add a mix of sautéed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello) along with the spinach for an earthy flavor and added texture.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roast a variety of vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant in the oven and toss them with the pasta and hummus sauce for a richer, roasted flavor.
3. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: Blend sun-dried tomatoes with the hummus for a tangy and flavorful sauce. This variation will add a burst of sweet-tartness to the dish. Mixing in tomato paste and or marinara sauce adds a nice tangy touch too.
4. Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding sliced jalapeños or diced chili peppers to the sautéed spinach or incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper into the hummus sauce.
5. Protein Boost: For extra protein, mix in cooked chickpeas, tofu cubes, or plant-based sausage crumbles into the pasta dish.
6. Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or dill in place of basil to create unique flavor profiles.
7. Nuts or Seeds: Substitute pine nuts with almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for a different texture and nutty taste.
8. Citrus Variety: Instead of lemon, try using lime or orange zest and juice for a citrusy twist that will lend a distinctive flavor to the dish.
9. Different Pasta Types: Explore using alternative pasta varieties such as chickpea pasta, lentil pasta, or whole wheat pasta to add nutritional diversity and unique textures.
10. Toppings and Garnishes: Experiment with garnishes like vegan parmesan cheese, toasted breadcrumbs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added depth and visual appeal.

Feel free to combine multiple variations or create your own unique twist by mixing and matching these suggestions. Embrace your creativity and tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences and ingredient availability. The next time you are in the grocery store, explore different type of pasta and creating different variations of hummus based sauces.

Faq

1. Can I use store-bought hummus instead of homemade?

Certainly! Store-bought hummus can be a convenient alternative if you're short on time or ingredients. Ensure it's a plain or mild-flavored variety to complement the dish.

2. Can I substitute casarecce pasta with another type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute casarecce pasta with similar short pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle based on your preference or availability.

3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta varieties made from chickpea flour, brown rice, or quinoa to replace traditional wheat-based pasta.

4. Can I add extra vegetables to this pasta?

Absolutely! Enhance the dish by incorporating additional vegetables like roasted bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to elevate both the flavor and nutritional value.

5. Is the Lemon Hummus Sauce too tangy?

The tanginess of the Lemon Hummus Sauce can be adjusted by adding less lemon juice or zest. Start with a smaller amount and gradually increase according to your taste preference.

6. Can leftovers be reheated?

Yes, leftovers can be reheated in a microwave or on the stovetop. To prevent the pasta from drying out, add a splash of water or vegetable broth while reheating.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components like the Lemon Hummus Sauce in advance and assemble the dish just before serving to retain the flavors and textures.

8. Can I store leftovers?

Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta (without the sauce) and reheating when needed.

9. What can I serve as a side dish with this pasta?

This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

10. Can I use different herbs for garnish?

Certainly! Experiment with various herbs like fresh parsley, basil, cilantro, or thyme to add different layers of flavor to the dish.

Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or need additional guidance while preparing this delightful Vegan Easy Hummus Casarecce Pasta With Spinach recipe!