If you’re a fan of pasta, you’ll know that the sauce is just as important as the pasta itself. A rich, creamy white sauce is a classic favorite, but how do you make it vegan-friendly? As a vegan chef, I’ve tried and tested different recipes to bring you some of the best vegan pasta recipes with white sauce.
The Perfect Vegan White Sauce
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about the perfect vegan white sauce. Typically, white sauce is made with butter, flour, and milk, but as a vegan, you’ll need to swap out these ingredients for plant-based alternatives.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g. oat, soy, or almond)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the vegan butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the plant-based milk, whisking constantly to prevent clumps.
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and whisk until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Now that we have the perfect vegan white sauce, let’s move onto the pasta recipes!
Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish that traditionally features a buttery, creamy sauce made with parmesan cheese. As a vegan, you can still enjoy all the flavors of this dish by using nutritional yeast as a substitute for the cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 1 batch of the perfect vegan white sauce
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic powder and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the perfect vegan white sauce, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper, and whisk until the sauce is smooth.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Vegan Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara is another classic Italian pasta dish that typically features bacon, eggs, and parmesan cheese. As a vegan, you can still enjoy all the flavors of this dish by using plant-based substitutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta
- 1 batch of the perfect vegan white sauce
- 1 cup vegan bacon bits
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti pasta according to package instructions.
- In a separate saucepan, cook the vegan bacon bits over medium-high heat until they’re crispy.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the perfect vegan white sauce and frozen peas, and whisk until the sauce is smooth.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot and garnish with additional vegan bacon bits and fresh parsley if desired.
Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Mushrooms are a perfect addition to any pasta dish, and this vegan creamy mushroom pasta is no exception. The combination of mushrooms, garlic, and a creamy white sauce is delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 1 batch of the perfect vegan white sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re tender and golden brown.
- Add the perfect vegan white sauce and frozen peas, and whisk until the sauce is smooth.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot and garnish with additional sliced mushrooms and fresh parsley if desired.
Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Pasta
For a vegan twist on a classic spinach and artichoke dip, try this vegan spinach and artichoke pasta. The combination of spinach, artichokes, and a creamy white sauce is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 batch of the perfect vegan white sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the chopped artichoke hearts and cook until they’re tender.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until it’s wilted.
- Add the perfect vegan white sauce and whisk until the sauce is smooth.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot and garnish with additional fresh spinach and vegan parmesan cheese if desired.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vegan pasta recipes with white sauce are delicious, satisfying, and easy to make. By substituting traditional ingredients with plant-based alternatives and using the perfect vegan white sauce as a base, you can enjoy all the flavors of classic pasta dishes without sacrificing taste or texture. Give these recipes a try and let me know what you think!