Using ZENB Elbow Pasta In Cooking

Here are three quick and tasty vegan recipes that use ZENB Plant-Based Elbow Pasta. The ZENB range of pastas are made from yellow pea so avoids durum wheat and any gluten issues. Ideal for vegan dishes as well. In the first recipe we are combining it with a creamy tomato sauce and fresh spinach for a delicious and nutritious meal. The second is a delicious mix of roasted veg with pesto and the final one is an interesting vegan mac n cheese. All make for great mid-week meals.

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(1) Creamy Tomato and Spinach ZENB Elbow Pasta

This recipe is creamy, satisfying, and packed with plant-based goodness. It’s also highly adaptable—feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more variety!

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• For the Pasta:
  • 150 g ZENB Plant-Based Elbow Pasta
  • 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
• For the Sauce:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Optional Garnishes:
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Vegan parmesan (store-bought or homemade)
  • Cracked black pepper

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Equipment Needed

• Medium pot (for cooking pasta)
• Large skillet or saucepan (for the sauce)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons

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Preparation and Cooking Times

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

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Preparation

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add ZENB Elbow Pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 6-8 minutes).
3. Reserve 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Lower the heat and stir in the nutritional yeast and plant-based milk. Mix well to create a creamy sauce.

3. Add Spinach and Pasta:

1. Add the baby spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

4. Serve:

1. Divide the pasta between two bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh basil, vegan parmesan, and cracked black pepper, if desired.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Protein: ~14 g
• Fat: ~9 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~1 g
• Carbohydrates: ~52 g
  • Sugars: ~7 g
• Fiber: ~7 g
• Sodium: ~400 mg

(2) ZENB Elbow Pasta with Pesto and Roasted Veggies

This vibrant and delicious dish features ZENB Elbow Pasta paired with a homemade vegan pesto and roasted vegetables for a hearty, plant-based meal.

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Ingredients (Serves 2)

For the Pasta and Roasted Veggies:

• 150 g ZENB Plant-Based Elbow Pasta
• 1 small zucchini (courgette), sliced
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup raw walnuts or pine nuts
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Equipment Needed

• Medium pot (for pasta)
• Baking sheet (for roasting vegetables)
• Large skillet or mixing bowl (for pasta and pesto)
• Food processor or blender (for pesto)
• Measuring cups and spoons

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Preparation and Cooking Times

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

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Preparation

1. Roast the Vegetables:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. On a baking sheet, toss the sliced zucchini, chopped red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping the veggies halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

2. Cook the Pasta:

1. While the vegetables are roasting, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the ZENB Elbow Pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 6-8 minutes).
3. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

3. Make the Pesto:

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, walnuts (or pine nuts), garlic, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice.
2. Pulse a few times to combine, then slowly add the olive oil while blending until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of water or reserved pasta water to thin it out.

4. Assemble the Dish:

1. In a large bowl or skillet, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto until well coated.
2. Add the roasted vegetables and gently mix. If needed, adjust the consistency of the pesto with a little more pasta water.

5. Serve:

• Divide the pasta and roasted veggies between two bowls, and garnish with extra basil or nuts, if desired.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~400 kcal
• Protein: ~12 g
• Fat: ~22 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~3 g
• Carbohydrates: ~45 g
  • Sugars: ~8 g
• Fiber: ~8 g
• Sodium: ~350 mg

(3) Creamy Cheesy Vegan Pasta Bake with ZENB Elbow Pasta

This rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta bake is plant-based and perfect for a cozy meal for two. ZENB Elbow Pasta adds the perfect texture and flavour to this comforting dish. See the picture above to get a sense of what it will look like as a dish.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 150 g ZENB Plant-Based Elbow Pasta
• 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 cup (240 ml) unsweetened almond milk or any plant-based milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 cup grated vegan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the Bake:

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/4 cup grated vegan cheese (for topping)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for breadcrumbs)

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Equipment Needed

• Medium pot (for pasta)
• Medium saucepan (for cheese sauce)
• Mixing spoon or whisk
• Baking dish (small, around 8×6 inches or similar)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl (for breadcrumbs)
• Oven

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Preparation and Cooking Times

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

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Preparation

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ZENB Elbow Pasta and cook for 6-8 minutes or until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

1. Heat the olive oil or vegan butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk, ensuring no lumps form.
4. Add the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard, and salt. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
5. If using, stir in the grated vegan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble the Pasta Bake:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and halved cherry tomatoes. Mix well.
2. Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish.

4. Prepare the Topping:

1. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle over the pasta.
2. Top with grated vegan cheese.

5. Bake:

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
2. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

6. Serve:

• Let the pasta bake cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: ~14 g
• Fat: ~16 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~4 g
• Carbohydrates: ~54 g
  • Sugars: ~6 g
• Fiber: ~8 g
• Sodium: ~500 mg

[Please note we are an affiliate marketing partner and will make a sales commission if you purchase any items through our affiliate links. Please read our affiliate disclosure]