Creamy Veggie Pasta Dish (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 16 oz package pasta, any shape
02 - 3 tablespoons light olive oil or neutral-flavored oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 cups zucchini, chopped
05 - 2 cups broccoli, chopped
06 - 1 cup mushrooms, washed and sliced
07 - 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes
09 - 3 cups baby spinach
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
12 - 1 1/2 cups vegan sour cream
13 - 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
14 - 1 cup pasta water or vegetable broth
15 - 1/4 teaspoon pepper or red pepper flakes

# Instructions:

01 - Boil 16 oz of pasta in salted water according to package directions.
02 - In a large frying pan or wok, warm the minced garlic in 3 tablespoons oil at the lowest heat setting.
03 - Wash and chop zucchini, broccoli, mushrooms, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
04 - Add the chopped vegetables (except cherry tomatoes and spinach) to the pan, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and Italian herbs, and turn the heat to medium. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until tender.
05 - Add cherry tomatoes and spinach to the pan and cook for another minute or two until the spinach wilts.
06 - Add 1/2 cup pasta water and 1 1/2 cups vegan sour cream to the pan, along with 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast (optional). Stir well and gradually add another 1/2 cup pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
07 - Let the mixture come to a slow boil, then turn off the heat. Stir in the drained pasta and toss well until combined. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
08 - Serve the pasta hot. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

# Notes:

01 - The sauce thickens slightly as it cools, giving it a creamy texture.
02 - Homemade vegan sour cream, cashew cream, or coconut cream requires less pasta water for the sauce.
03 - Adding fresh lemon juice enhances the flavors of the sauce.