This Creamy Vegan Cajun Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta is the perfect way to enjoy a good plate of comforting pasta for the entire family in the Fall season. Enjoy pasta that comes completely loaded with pumpkin flavor married with bold + spicy flavors, and of course with the amazing texture of long-ribbon pasta!
To begin, cook the pasta according to packaging. NOTE: Pappardelle pasta doesn’t take a long time to cook, usually 8-10 minutes (however, you should cook at 6-8 minutes or so—‘al dente’).
TO MAKE THE CREAMY SAUCE:
In a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and once heated, add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the cajun seasoning, cinnamon, nutritional yeast, and flour, stirring everything together. Reduce the heat slightly and whisk in the coconut milk/cream, veggie stock, white cooking wine, and pumpkin puree, until everything thickens and becomes smooth with no lumps visible, about 1-2 minutes.
Add in the chopped kale, stirring until combined and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
When the Parppardelle pasta is done, drain it and add it to the sauce, tossing until sauce fully coats + sticks to pasta. Serve immediately! Top with your favorite toppings: toasted buts, DF grated parmesan, and/or roasted pumpkin seeds.
Bon Appetit!
Notes
STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
OIL: You can also use avocado oil, coconut oil or grapeseed oil, instead of olive oil.
PASTA: You can use long pastas like Pappardelle, Fettuccine, etc. however, I would recommend tossing with tongs to ensure that pasta is fully manageable and fully coated. Otherwise, other pastas such as Penne, Rigatoni, Paccheri, Orecchiette, etc. are perfect.
GREENS: To add a bit more flavor to this dish, you can always feel free to add in your favorite greens such as spinach, broccolini, collards, or asparagus.
SPICES/HERBS: If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make this dish GF, simply use Gluten-Free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients (i.e. coconut milk, stock, and flour) are GF-friendly.