This Instant Pot vegan broccoli pasta is super creamy, flavorful, and easy, but it also does not use any heavy cream at the same time! How do I do that?
Check out the recipe to find out more! I like it for the fact that it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner for an entire family.
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Leftovers are great too! If you like to add more broccoli into your diet this broccoli pasta recipe is the perfect way to do it!
If you a big fan of broccoli recipes check out my broccoli mushroom pasta recipe, air fryer frozen broccoli and broccoli curry recipe.
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Why I love this
- It's a dairy-free and vegan recipe.
- It's incredibly creamy and delicious without the use of any dairy products. As someone who is lactose intolerant, I'm always on the lookout for dairy-free alternatives, and this recipe definitely hits the mark.
- It's a great way to sneak in more veggies into your diet
- This easy recipe is packed with nutritious broccoli, making it a great and delicious way to add more greens to your daily meals.
- It's a one-pot meal that needs minimal cooking time.
- With the use of an Instant Pot, pressure cooking is so much more simplified. This pasta dish comes together in just minutes.
- Perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have much time to cook.
Ingredients
- Pasta of your choice (I recommend penne pasta or fusilli). Low-carb options work well, too
- Fresh Broccoli florets
- Nutritional yeast (for that cheesy flavor)
- Cashews
- Green peas
- Herbs and salt
Instructions
Place a pan of water over heat then add green peas place the steamer on top of it and add the broccoli florets and cover it with lid. This way you can cook the green peas and steam the broccoli florets together.
While the broccoli and peas are cooking, cook pasta in an Instant Pot.
Place the pasta inside the inner pot and add water, salt, and one teaspoon of olive oil.
Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to manual/high pressure for 5 minutes.
Once done, perform a quick release of the pressure and drain the pasta. Reserve the water.
In a blender, combine cooked and drained peas, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, pepper, lemon juice, salt, and water to make the creamy sauce. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Place the cooked pasta inside the pot add the blended creamy sauce and mix well.
Press the saute button, add the steamed broccoli, and stir well.
Add the reserved pasta water little by little to get your desired consistency.
After a minute press cancel and garnish with red chili flakes or fresh ground black pepper, and serve hot.
Top Tips
- Soak cashews in water for a few hours before blending to achieve a smoother and creamier texture.
- Don't overcook the broccoli, as it will become too soft and mushy.
- You can add other veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms to bring some variety.
Variations
- For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Add some protein by tossing in some cooked chickpeas or tofu.
- Play around with different herbs and spices for added flavor. Try adding some garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the creamy sauce.
- Instead of water use vegetable broth for a richer and more flavorful sauce.
- Top with some vegan parmesan cheese
Stovetop method
If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can still make this recipe on the stovetop.
Simply cook the pasta according to package instructions and steam the broccoli separately.
Then, mix everything together in a pot or pan and add the creamy sauce. Heat until warmed through and enjoy!
Leftover Ideas
This Instant Pot vegan broccoli pasta is perfect for meal prep! You can store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and easy lunch option.
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📖 Recipe
Creamy Vegan Instant Pot Broccoli Pasta
Equipment
- Steamer
Process Shot
Check above for step-by-step pictures (most of my recipes include pictures)
Ingredients
- 1 cup green peas
- 3 cup broccoli florets
- ½ cups cashews - soaked
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes - optional
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups penne pasta
- 4 cups water
- salt to taste
- 1 cup water - for blending sauce
Instructions
- Place a pan of 2 cups of water over heat then add green peas place the steamer on top of it and add the broccoli florets and cover it with lid. This way you can cook the green peas and steam the broccoli florets together.1 cup green peas, 3 cup broccoli florets
- While the broccoli and peas are cooking, cook pasta in an Instant Pot.
- Place the pasta inside the inner pot and add water, salt, and one teaspoon of olive oil.4 cups penne pasta, 4 cups water, salt to taste
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to manual/high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once done, perform a quick release of the pressure and drain the pasta. Reserve the water.
- In a blender, combine cooked and drained peas, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, pepper, lemon juice, salt, and water to make the creamy sauce. Blend until smooth and creamy.½ cups cashews, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, 2 teaspoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 cup water
- Place the cooked pasta inside the pot add the blended creamy sauce and mix well.
- Press the saute button, add the steamed broccoli, and stir well.
- Add the reserved pasta water little by little to get your desired consistency.
- After a minute press cancel and garnish with red chili flakes or fresh ground black pepper, and serve hot.1 teaspoon chili flakes
Notes
- Soak cashews in water for a few hours before blending to achieve a smoother and creamier texture.
- Don't overcook the broccoli, as it will become too soft and mushy.
- You can add other veggies like bell pepper and mushrooms to bring some variety.
- For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Add some protein by tossing in some cooked chickpeas or tofu.
- Play around with different herbs and spices for added flavor. Try adding some garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the creamy sauce.
- Instead of water use vegetable broth for a richer and more flavorful sauce.
- Top with some vegan parmesan cheese.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Gus
Your instant pot broccoli pasta was delightful. The combination of tender broccoli and creamy sauce made for a comforting, flavorful meal. The instant pot made the recipe quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight. Truly enjoyed this delicious pasta dish!
Uma Raghupathi
Thank you so much, Gus.
Hema
Looks so creamy and delcious