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High-Protein Vegan ‘Marry Me Pasta’ (Meal-Prep) Recipe

High-Protein Vegan ‘Marry Me Pasta’ (Meal-Prep) Recipe
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4.7 from 16 reviews

This High-Protein Vegan ‘Marry Me Pasta’ recipe offers a creamy, flavorful, and nutrient-dense meal prep option featuring lentil pasta, a rich cashew cream sauce, and a medley of vegetables. It’s perfect for those seeking a hearty plant-based dish packed with protein and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz (340 g) lentil pasta

Cashew Cream

  • ¼ cup (32 g) raw cashews
  • ¼ cup (30 g) nutritional yeast
  • 2 cups (470 ml) soy milk

Sauce Base

  • 1 tsp (5 ml) olive oil
  • 2 yellow onions, finely sliced
  • 2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 2 oz (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 1.5 tbsp (25 g) tomato paste
  • 1.5 tsp (4 g) Cajun spices
  • 2 tsp (4 g) smoked paprika
  • 1.5 cups (280 g) cooked butter beans
  • Sea salt flakes, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing

  • 4 cups (120 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1.5 tbsp (23 ml) lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Soften Cashews: In a heat-safe bowl, cover the cashews with boiling water and let them soak for 30 minutes to soften. Drain and set aside; this will ensure a smooth and creamy cashew cream.
  2. Cook Pasta: Prepare the lentil pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make Cashew Cream: In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and soy milk. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy, setting the base for the rich sauce.
  4. Cook Onions: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced yellow onions, cover, and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  5. Add Peppers and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the thinly sliced red bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring regularly to meld the flavors.
  6. Add Seasonings and Beans: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Cajun spices, smoked paprika, cooked butter beans, and season with sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper. Cook uncovered for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to incorporate all ingredients.
  7. Incorporate Cashew Cream: Pour in the prepared cashew cream and continue to cook the sauce for another 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop a creamy consistency.
  8. Combine Pasta and Greens: Add the cooked lentil pasta, roughly chopped baby spinach, finely chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice into the sauce. Stir gently until the spinach is just wilted and everything is evenly mixed.
  9. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately or portion for meal prep and enjoy a delicious, nutritious vegan pasta dish.

Notes

  • Soaking the cashews properly is essential for a creamy sauce; do not skip this step.
  • Lentil pasta increases the protein content and keeps the dish gluten-free.
  • Adjust the Cajun spices and smoked paprika to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the finishing touch to brighten and balance the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan pasta, high-protein vegan recipe, cashew cream sauce, lentil pasta, plant-based meal prep, dairy-free pasta recipe

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/high-protein-vegan-marry-me-pasta-meal-prep-recipe/