Creamy Hot Chili Crisp Alfredo (vegan/plant-based)

Photo note: I didn’t bother to stage a photo because we wanted to dive in on a Friday night at the end of a full week. So this shot is of a real dinner on a real table: rustic but lovely enough for company. And the flavor will send you!

Inspired by a vegetarian dish in the New York Times, this creamy, decadent-tasting, and nutritional powerhouse of a one-dish meal became an instant go-to using my favorite condiment: hot chili crisp! And it is vegan and plant-based, natch.

I subbed coconut milk + cornstarch for cream and vegetables fir the pasta–spiralized butternut squash and riced cauliflower–along with the spinach. Feel free to use the vegetables of your choice or even cooked pasta (about 2 cups) as in the original recipe. I am just not a big pasta fan, yet I wanted the look, so I use the spiralized squash; zucchini would be nice, too. And, I use frozen vegetables to avoid food waste from unintentional spoilage.

Creamy Hot Chili Crisp Alfredo (vegan & plant-based)

1 tablespoon plant-based butter
2 tablespoons hot chili crisp (found in jars in Asian section of international aisle in grocery store or Asian markets)
1-13.5 ounce can lite coconut milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 to 4 ounces fresh baby spinach
12 ounces frozen spiralized butternut squash, cooked according to package directions (I microwave)
10 ounces riced cauliflower, cooked according to package directions (I microwave)
1/3 to 1/2 cup plant-based parmesan or feta (I like Follow Your Heart)
Optional garnishes: more parmesan/feta and pinenuts, toasted or not

In large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in hot chili crisp. Lower or raise heat as necessary throughout cooking process. Whisk in half coconut milk. Whisk cornstarch into remaining coconut milk in can and whisk into mixture in skillet. Heat through. Add cheese and stir until almost melted. Add spinach and stir until wilted and distributed. Gently fold in noodles and cauliflower and cook, stirring, until heated through. Serve in bowls garnished as desired.