Creamy Vegan Romesco Pasta
Creamy Vegan Romesco Pasta
Romesco sauce, a vibrant Catalan staple, transforms simple ingredients into a rich, smoky, and nutty masterpiece. Traditionally made with roasted peppers, almonds, and olive oil, this versatile sauce pairs beautifully with pasta for a hearty, plant-based meal. Our Vegan Romesco Pasta combines the bold flavors of charred red peppers, toasted almonds, garlic, and a touch of sherry vinegar for depth, all tossed with fusilli for the perfect bite.
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also nutrition—almonds provide healthy fats and protein, while roasted peppers and tomatoes deliver vitamins and antioxidants. The sauce’s creamy texture comes naturally from blended almonds, eliminating the need for dairy. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness, balancing the sauce’s smoky richness.
Quick to prepare yet impressive enough for a dinner party, this recipe is ideal for weeknights or meal prep. The romesco sauce can be made ahead, and the dish easily adapts to additions like spinach, artichokes, or sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you're a longtime vegan or simply exploring plant-based eating, this pasta proves that bold, satisfying flavors don’t require animal products.
With its Mediterranean roots and modern simplicity, this Romesco Pasta is a celebration of texture and taste—creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy, all in one forkful. Let’s dive in!
Creamy Vegan Romesco Pasta
A rich, smoky, and nutty pasta dish with a vibrant romesco sauce, topped with fresh parsley.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Romesco Sauce:
½ cup (60g) raw almonds (or roasted for extra depth)
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1 large tomato, roasted or ½ cup canned fire-roasted tomatoes
2 red bell peppers, roasted (or 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
1 tsp smoked paprika (or ½ tsp dried chili flakes for heat)
1 tbsp sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
For the Pasta:
12 oz (340g) fusilli pasta (or any short pasta)
Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Romesco Sauce
If using fresh peppers & tomato:
Roast the red peppers and tomato at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 mins until charred. Let cool, then peel the peppers and remove seeds.
In a food processor, blend the almonds and garlic until finely ground.
Add the roasted peppers, tomato, olive oil, smoked paprika (or chili flakes), sherry vinegar, and salt. Blend until smooth but slightly textured. Adjust seasoning to taste.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil the fusilli in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
3. Combine & Serve
In a large pan, warm the romesco sauce over low heat. Add the cooked pasta and toss, adding pasta water as needed for a silky consistency.
Drizzle with extra olive oil, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Enjoy! 🌿🔥
Optional add-ins: sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zuchini, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
A Celebration of Bold, Plant-Based Flavors
This Vegan Romesco Pasta is proof that plant-based cooking can be deeply satisfying, flavorful, and nourishing without compromise. The smoky sweetness of roasted peppers, the richness of almonds, and the tang of sherry vinegar come together in a sauce that clings perfectly to fusilli, creating a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility—whether served as a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep staple, or an elegant dish for guests, it never fails to impress. The romesco sauce itself is a keeper, easily adaptable as a dip, spread, or topping for grilled vegetables and grains. Plus, with its base of nuts and fresh produce, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse, offering healthy fats, plant-based protein, and a boost of vitamins.
Most importantly, this pasta celebrates how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something extraordinary. The final touch of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the sauce’s depth. Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply looking to incorporate more vegan meals into your routine, this recipe is a delicious reminder that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.
So grab your fork, twirl that fusilli, and savor each bite—this Romesco Pasta isn’t just a meal, it’s an invitation to enjoy bold, wholesome, and entirely cruelty-free cooking at its finest. ¡Buen provecho! 🌱✨
