Creamy Vegan Baked Pasta with Brussels Sprouts

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

White Miso Sauce:

• 1 cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original Almondmilk or Almond Breeze Extra Creamy Almondmilk
• 1 cup raw slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Pasta:

• 10 ounces shell pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tablespoons white wine (or water)
• 2 scallions, sliced
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Bread Crumb Topping:

• 1 tablespoon panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
• 1/3 teaspoon sea salt
• Extra-virgin olive oil to taste, for drizzling
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (chives, tarragon, or parsley)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and lightly brush a 7x9 baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2: To prepare the white miso sauce, place the Almondmilk, slivered almonds, miso paste, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt into a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking.

Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the Brussels sprouts from the skillet and pour in the white wine (or water). Stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 6: Add the cooked pasta, sliced scallions, and white miso sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together to coat the pasta and Brussels sprouts in the sauce.

Step 7: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with panko bread crumbs, hemp seeds, a pinch of sea salt, and drizzle with extra olive oil.

Step 8: Cover the baking dish and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are fully tender and the dish is heated through.

Step 9: Remove from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs before serving.

Cook's Note

If you're not vegan, you can add 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	324
Total Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	594mg
Total Carbohydrate	29g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Total Sugars	5g
Protein	10g
Vitamin C	54mg
Calcium	94mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	461mg

Servings per Recipe: 6

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of the Dish:

The creamy vegan baked pasta with Brussels sprouts is a modern take on comfort food that fuses the rich flavors of creamy sauces with hearty vegetables. Although pasta dishes with creamy sauces have deep roots in Italian cuisine, this vegan variation stands out due to its use of plant-based ingredients like almond milk and miso. The inclusion of Brussels sprouts gives the dish a nutritious twist, making it perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. The concept of vegan baked pasta emerged as plant-based diets gained popularity in the 21st century, with a growing interest in plant-based cheeses, nuts, and legumes as replacements for dairy products.

Regional Characteristics:

While pasta is universally loved across the world, the dish's unique combination of Brussels sprouts and miso sauce brings regional influences together. Brussels sprouts are commonly found in European cuisines, particularly in Northern Europe, where they are a staple during the colder months. The use of miso, on the other hand, has strong ties to East Asian cuisine, specifically Japan, where it is a fundamental ingredient in soups and sauces. The fusion of these elements in the creamy vegan baked pasta showcases a blend of Eastern and Western culinary traditions, popular in contemporary fusion cooking.

What Sets It Apart:

Many baked pasta dishes feature a creamy sauce made from dairy, such as bchamel or cheese-based recipes. However, this vegan baked pasta differs by substituting traditional dairy with almond milk and cashews, resulting in a smooth and rich texture without animal products. The addition of Brussels sprouts not only adds a unique flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish, making it a satisfying meal for vegans and non-vegans alike. Unlike classic Italian pasta dishes like lasagna or mac and cheese, this recipe focuses on plant-based ingredients that are both hearty and nourishing.

Where It's Typically Served:

This creamy vegan baked pasta with Brussels sprouts is an excellent dish to serve at family gatherings, vegan dinner parties, or as a main course during the holidays. It can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it perfect for busy days when you want a comforting, yet easy-to-make meal. The versatility of this dish makes it suitable for casual home dinners as well as festive occasions where plant-based options are in demand. Given its hearty nature and rich flavors, it pairs well with a fresh side salad or a light, crisp white wine.

Fun Facts:

• Brussels sprouts, the star vegetable of this dish, are known to be high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
• Almond milk, often used as a dairy alternative, has been around since the medieval times, but it gained significant popularity in recent years due to the rise in plant-based diets.
• Miso paste, a key ingredient in this dish, is made by fermenting soybeans, rice, or barley, and is considered a superfood because of its probiotics and umami flavor.
• The dish's panko breadcrumb topping adds a crispy texture, contrasting the creamy pasta and Brussels sprouts, a technique commonly used in Japanese cuisine to add crunch to dishes.

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