Pop culture icon Ariana Grande has unveiled her cherished home-cooked meal, a deceptively simple yet profoundly satisfying vegan pasta dish. This culinary creation marries traditional Italian pasta with a vibrant homemade vegan pesto and an assortment of expertly roasted mushrooms. Grande, known for her chart-topping hits, showcases her commitment to plant-based eating while honoring her Italian heritage, proving that delicious and comforting meals can be both traditional and innovative. Her recipe highlights the rich, earthy flavors of roasted mushrooms and the fresh zest of a dairy-free pesto, making it an accessible yet elevated option for home cooks.
Ariana Grande's Signature Vegan Pasta: A Detailed Culinary Journey
In a recent interview on the SmartLess podcast, the esteemed American singer, songwriter, and actress, Ariana Grande, disclosed her ultimate go-to meal: a delightful pasta featuring homemade vegan pesto and a medley of roasted mushrooms. Grande, who embraces a vegan lifestyle, explained her culinary preferences, stating, "I'm vegan, so I love to roast mushrooms of different variants and make a vegan pesto." She further emphasized her Italian roots, adding, "I'm Italian, so we have to have that [pasta]." This declaration underscores her unique approach to blending cultural heritage with dietary choices.
To recreate this simple yet elegant dish, start by selecting your preferred pasta, whether it's whole-grain, gluten-free, or fresh handmade noodles. The secret to perfect pasta lies in cooking it al dente, ensuring a pleasant bite. The true essence of this dish, however, comes alive with the roasted mushrooms. Grande often uses a mix of cremini, button, and oyster mushrooms, but any variety will suffice. For optimal flavor, toss the mushrooms with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper, then roast them at 450°F (approximately 232°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until they achieve a golden-brown hue and crispy edges. This roasting process intensifies their natural umami, creating a rich depth that beautifully complements the pesto.
Grande's vegan pesto cleverly replaces traditional Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, providing a savory, cheesy undertone without dairy. This allows the fresh, aromatic flavors of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil to truly shine. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, toss it with the homemade vegan pesto, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to create a silky coating that adheres perfectly to each noodle. Finally, gently combine the pesto-coated pasta with the roasted mushrooms, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
This plant-based masterpiece from Ariana Grande is a testament to the fact that vegan cooking can be both indulgent and satisfying. It’s a versatile dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to grace a dinner party table. Whether you're a dedicated fan or simply seeking new culinary inspiration, embracing this simple, flavorful, and nourishing meal is an excellent choice. It encourages creativity in the kitchen and proves that delicious food doesn't have to compromise on ethical or dietary preferences.