After a couple of years back in Chicago, I’m in the middle of another cross-country move to California. Am I crazy? Maybe. I have to admit, May is kind of a ridiculous time to leave the midwest. It’s finally sunny and warm here! While moving is exciting, it’s also really stressful. When I’m stressed and seeking comfort food, I always gravitate towards hearty pasta dishes. In this time of transition, our Creamy Spicy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach is exactly what I want and need. Fill up my bowl!



I lovingly blame my obsession with carbs on my parents (thanks, mom and dad). Growing up we had no shortage of bread, noodles, and pizza on our dinner table. To this day, these are the foods that bring me comfort and joy. To lighten up what could be a really heavy meal, I used whole-wheat noodles and covered them in cashew cream sauce. This stuff is so delicious and versatile. It reminds me of vegan alfredo sauce, which is never, ever a bad thing.

For protein you can use your favorite vegan sausage (mine is Field Roast) or swap it out for roasted broccoli or fresh peas. Both of these veggies are great sources of plant-based protein. For the greens, I went with spinach but feel free to use kale, chard, or arugula – chose your own adventure. A sprinkle of hemp seeds to finish it off adds an extra punch of protein, while red chili pepper flakes bumps up the heat factor.

Our Creamy Spicy Vegan Sausage Pasta with Spinach is the ultimate vegan comfort food. It’s easily made gluten-free by using Banza Chickpea Pasta (our favorite) and a vegan and gluten-free protein source. We hope this dish becomes a weeknight favorite at your dinner table!