Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Spaghetti

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup cashews, soaked (for 4-6 hours or overnight)
• 6-8 garlic cloves, roasted
• 12 oz (340g) spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups reserved pasta water (from cooking the spaghetti)
• 2 cups mushrooms, thickly sliced (button, cremini, or your preferred variety)
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (or other plant-based milk)
• ⅓ cup tapioca starch (or cornstarch or flour, to thicken the sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cashew Cream:

   • Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a blender.
   • Add the roasted garlic, 1 cup of reserved pasta water, and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Cook the Spaghetti:

   • Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in salted water.
   • Reserve about 4 cups of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. Set the spaghetti aside.

3. Cook the Mushrooms:

   • In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they turn golden brown and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Add Spinach:

   • Add the roughly chopped spinach to the pan with the mushrooms. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down.
   • Remove the pan from heat and set aside.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the cashew cream, coconut milk, lemon juice, and tapioca starch (or cornstarch/flour).
   • Slowly add the remaining reserved pasta water, 1 cup at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
   • Return the pan with mushrooms and spinach to medium heat, and pour the creamy sauce into the pan.

6. Combine with Spaghetti:

   • Add the cooked spaghetti into the pan and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
   • Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more pasta water to loosen it up.

7. Season and Garnish:

   • Taste the spaghetti and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

8. Serve:

   • Serve hot, and enjoy your Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Spaghetti as a hearty, delicious meal.
     

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