Creamy Spicy Pasta

Nut-free, Soy-free

This recipe puts a spicy twist on a simple creamy sauce. Even though there is no vegan cheese in this dish, it’s not missed—the sauce is rich and flavorful enough without it. If you like a kick of spice and lots of flavor, you will love this dish. Serve it with Parmesan-Crusted Tofu and homemade Dinner Rolls.

Creamy Spicy Pasta brings together the best of both worlds, offering a delectable fusion of velvety comfort and tantalizing heat. This dish masterfully combines the richness of a creamy sauce with the zing of cayenne pepper, resulting in a culinary experience that delights the senses and satisfies the soul.

At its core, Creamy Spicy Pasta starts with a simple yet luxurious creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The base is a skillful blend of olive oil, minced garlic, and flour, creating a roux that forms the foundation of the velvety sauce. As plain, unsweetened rice milk is introduced, the mixture transforms into a silky canvas ready to embrace a symphony of flavors.

The sauce’s richness is elevated by the addition of nutritional yeast, a versatile ingredient that infuses a cheesy umami essence, reminiscent of traditional mac and cheese. A medley of seasonings, including onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and dried oregano, dance in harmony to create layers of complexity that elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

However, the star of this show is undoubtedly the cayenne pepper. With just the right amount of kick, it introduces an invigorating heat that dances on the taste buds. The cayenne pepper adds a spicy dimension that awakens the palate and brings a playful edge to the creamy indulgence.

As the creamy sauce melds with the cooked pasta, every bite becomes an adventure, offering a balance between comfort and a bold burst of flavor. The dish’s versatility shines through, as you can customize the level of spiciness to your liking by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper used.

Creamy Spicy Pasta is a culinary journey that bridges the gap between comfort food and culinary exploration. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a symphony of flavors that resonates deeply with our cravings for both indulgence and excitement. Whether enjoyed as a solo pleasure or shared among friends and family, this dish leaves an indelible mark on the palate and the memory, showcasing the creativity and possibilities of plant-based cuisine.

PREP TIME: 2 minutes

COOK TIME: 10 minutes, plus time to boil pasta

YIELD: 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (16-oz [453-g]) package pasta of choice
• 4 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced, or 1 tbsp (9 g) jarred minced garlic
• ⅓ cup (41 g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720 ml) plain, unsweetened rice milk
• ¾ cup (60 g) nutritional yeast
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1½ tsp (3 g) paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper, plus more to taste
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the pasta:
   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
   • Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta in cold water.
   • Place the cooked pasta back in the pot and toss it with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the creamy sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of olive oil over medium-low heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Whisk in the all-purpose flour until fully incorporated into the oil.
3. Add the rice milk and seasonings:
   • Slowly pour in the rice milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
   • Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, continuing to whisk constantly.
   • Lower the heat to medium-low to bring the mixture to a simmer.
   • Whisk in the nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
   • Let the sauce simmer, whisking often, for about 3 more minutes until it thickens.
4. Combine and serve:
   • Stir in the cooked pasta, ensuring it is well coated with the creamy sauce.
   • Serve the dish, adjusting the seasoning if needed. You can add more cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper according to your taste preferences.