Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
A quick and satisfying plant-based pasta dish featuring creamy cashew sauce and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, etc.) Use gluten-free if needed.
Cream Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Soaked cashews Soak in hot water for at least 30 minutes.
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Nutritional yeast Optional, for cheesy flavor.
- 1 tsp Salt Add more to taste.
- 1 cup Water To achieve desired consistency.
Flavor Ingredients
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh or sautéed.
- 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Salt and pepper To taste.
- 1 cup Fresh basil, for garnish
- 1/4 cup Vegan parmesan, for garnish Optional.
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes, for garnish For a hint of heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a blender, combine soaked cashews, a splash of olive oil, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt. Add just enough water to blend into a smooth, creamy consistency.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their flavor.
- Pour the cashew cream into the skillet with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring well. Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, mixing until everything is beautifully coated.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
Serving
- Plate your pasta, topping it with fresh basil, a sprinkle of vegan parmesan, and additional red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
To ensure the best texture, soak the cashews in hot water before blending. You can also experiment with different vegetables or proteins for more variation. Adjust the consistency of the sauce with pasta water to taste.