EASY WAYS TO MAKE YOUR PASTA HEALTHIER! (VEGAN FRIENDLY)

October 22, 2018 by Renee Tavoularis

Reprinted with the permission of foodmatters.com/articles

If you are going vegan or want to remove gluten and dairy from your diet to feel better, you don't have to miss out on the good stuff! Get creative and try these vegan approved tips to make your pasta dishes healthy!

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE TIPS TO MAKE PASTA HEALTHIER: 

SWAP PASTA FOR GLUTEN-FREE PASTA

Pasta has been a staple for centuries, however something happen in modern times which our tummies did not like and now we struggle to digest it! What if we told you that pasta could be healthy? Swap it for some zucchini or sweet potato noodles, or opt for a delicious brown-rice version. Read more about healthifying your pasta here. 

SWAP DAIRY FOR ALMOND MILK

You can still achieve that desired creamy sauce without dairy! Don't believe us? Try swapping dairy with almond milk or your favorite nut milk and see for yourself.

SWAP CREAM FOR SOAKED CASHEWS

Not only does soaking your nuts give you a more easily-digestible nut rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E and minerals, it also gives you a beautiful, rich creamy sauce when used in a recipe like the one below! 

SWAP CHEESE FOR NUTRITIONAL YEAST

Nutritional yeast is a great cheese alternative! It is a complete protein source, containing all of the amino acids said to be the 'building blocks of life', is rich in Vitamin B-12 (essential for vegans and vegetarians to obtain), high in fiber and a great source of folic acid. 

ADD THESE TO RAMP IT UP:

• Avocado in a pesto makes for a much creamier version
• Herbs are the best flavor enhancer you can find!
• Spices are your best friend
• Roasted vegetables will help flavor your pasta while packing a nutritional punch 

Here is one of our go-to recipes for a delicious vegan creamy 'Alfredo': 

VEGAN CREAMY 'ALFREDO' RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup cashews, soaked overnight
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• ½ tsp sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup mushrooms
• 1 zucchini, chopped into cubes
• Handful of parsley
• 180 g gluten-free pasta - We're loving Jovial Brown Rice Pasta

METHOD

• Add cashews, broth, lemon juice, garlic, nutritional yeast, sea salt and pepper to food processor and process until smooth and creamy.
• In a frying pan over medium heat, sauté zucchini and mushrooms until softened.
• Stir through cooked brown rice pasta and creamy vegan sauce.
• Add parsley & stir through to combine.