Creamy Vegan Penne with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Herb-Infused White Sauce

Enjoy this vegan penne dish with its creamy white sauce, vibrant spinach, mushrooms, and the delightful combination of carrots and tomato cubes. It's a wholesome and flavor-packed meal that's sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta (vegan)

• 1 cup spinach leaves, chopped

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 large carrot, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for added cheesy flavor)

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the chopped spinach, sliced mushrooms, and diced carrot to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly tender.

4. In a separate saucepan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.

5. Gradually pour in the almond milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Stir in the nutritional yeast (if using), dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the white sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

7. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with sautéed vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.

8. Combine the cooked penne pasta with the vegetable mixture in the skillet. Pour the creamy herb-infused white sauce over the pasta and toss everything together until well coated.

9. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to coat the pasta thoroughly.

10. Serve the Creamy Vegan Penne in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor