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
