Vegan Pastina is cozy, buttery, and deeply satisfying—ready in just 15 minutes. Whether you opt for the classic one-pot version or the creamy blended sauce option, this dish delivers comforting flavors in a simple, dairy-free format. A perfect meal for quick dinners, lazy lunches, or nostalgic cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Comfort food made entirely vegan
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Quick and ready in just 15 minutes
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Two easy versions to suit ingredients you have on hand
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Great for all ages—perfect for kids and adults alike
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Easily gluten-free with the right pasta
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Version 1 (Brothy and Cheesy):
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1 cup stelline or pastina pasta
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2¼ cups vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth
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3 tablespoons vegan butter
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⅓ cup grated vegan parmesan cheese
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Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
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Finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Version 2 (Cashew Cream Sauce):
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1 cup stelline or pastina pasta
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¾ cup water (pasta water or filtered water)
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¼ cup raw cashews or sunflower seeds
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3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
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½ teaspoon granulated onion
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½ teaspoon granulated garlic
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½ teaspoon salt, to taste
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Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
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Finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
directions
Version 1
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Boil the broth: Add vegan broth to a medium pot over medium-high heat. Cover and bring to a boil.
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Cook the pasta: Stir in pasta and reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Cook uncovered for 3–4 minutes, stirring often.
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Add butter: Once pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed, stir in vegan butter.
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Add cheese: Stir in grated vegan parmesan until melted.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
Version 2
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Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve ¾ cup pasta water.
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Blend sauce: Blend water, cashews or sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, onion, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Combine: Return pasta to the pot. Pour sauce over and stir to coat.
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Serve: Garnish with parsley and pepper. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
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Yield: 2 plates
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Use gluten-free pasta such as rice stars or small shells
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Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness
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Stir in cooked peas or spinach for extra nutrition
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Use orzo, ditalini, or small shells if you can’t find stelline or pastina
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Use sunflower butter or thick coconut milk instead of cashews in Version 2
storage/reheating
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
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Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or non-dairy milk to loosen
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Freezing: Not recommended, as pasta texture may change upon thawing
FAQs
What is pastina?
Pastina is a tiny star-shaped pasta often used in soups and comfort food dishes, especially for children.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a small gluten-free pasta like rice-based stars or shells and follow the same cooking method.
Which version is better?
Both are great—Version 1 is faster and cheesier, while Version 2 is perfect for those who can’t find vegan cheese.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Orzo, acini de pepe, alphabet pasta, ditalini, and small shells all work well.
What can I use instead of vegan parmesan?
Try nutritional yeast or use the cashew-based sauce in Version 2 for a cheesy flavor without store-bought cheese.
Can I use store-bought plant milk instead of cashews?
Yes, thick and creamy options like canned coconut milk or plant-based heavy cream will work.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s soft, mild, and comforting—perfect for children or picky eaters.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just scale up the ingredients evenly for a larger batch.
Can I add vegetables?
Sure—peas, spinach, or chopped broccoli can be stirred in for extra nutrition.
Is it good for meal prep?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated with a bit of added liquid to revive the creaminess.
Conclusion
Vegan Pastina is the ultimate easy comfort food. Whether you opt for the quick brothy version or go for the creamy, cashew-based sauce, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can deliver rich, cozy flavors. It’s satisfying, soothing, and customizable—perfect for weeknight dinners or when you just need a bowl of something warm and nourishing.
Print
Vegan Pastina
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Vegan Pastina is cozy, buttery, and deeply satisfying—ready in just 15 minutes. Whether you choose the brothy, cheesy version or a creamy cashew-based sauce, this comforting dish delivers all the nostalgic flavor you love in a completely dairy-free format. Perfect for quick meals, lazy lunches, or soothing dinners.
Ingredients
Version 1 (Brothy and Cheesy):
1 cup stelline or pastina pasta
2¼ cups vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons vegan butter
⅓ cup grated vegan parmesan cheese
Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Version 2 (Cashew Cream Sauce):
1 cup stelline or pastina pasta
¾ cup water (pasta water or filtered)
¼ cup raw cashews or sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
½ teaspoon granulated onion
½ teaspoon granulated garlic
½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Version 1:
- In a medium pot, bring the vegan broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Stir in the pastina and reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Cook uncovered for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- When the pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed, stir in the vegan butter.
- Add the grated vegan parmesan and mix until melted and combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and cracked black pepper if desired.
- Version 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve ¾ cup of the pasta water.
- In a blender, combine the water, cashews (or sunflower seeds), nutritional yeast, onion, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Return the cooked pasta to the pot and pour the sauce over. Stir to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and black pepper if using.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta like rice stars or small shells for a gluten-free option.
- Stir in peas, spinach, or other veggies for added nutrients.
- A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavor.
- You can sub orzo, ditalini, alphabet pasta, or acini de pepe if you don’t have pastina.
- For a nut-free Version 2, use sunflower seeds or a creamy plant milk instead of cashews.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
