# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz dried pasta (spaghetti, penne, or choice)
→ Sauce
02 - 1 cup raw walnuts
03 - 4 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
04 - 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (oat, soy, or almond)
05 - 2 garlic cloves
06 - 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
07 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
09 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
10 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
11 - Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
→ Garnish
12 - Extra toasted walnuts, chopped
13 - Freshly ground black pepper
14 - Lemon zest (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
02 - Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
03 - Combine toasted walnuts (reserving a few for garnish), spinach, plant-based milk, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
04 - Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more plant-based milk for a thinner consistency or additional nutritional yeast for increased cheesiness.
05 - Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour the spinach walnut sauce over the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
06 - Plate immediately, garnished with chopped toasted walnuts, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon zest if desired.
