Healthy & Special Diets > Vegan Recipes > Vegan Dinners > Vegan Pasta Dishes

Creamy Vegan Tomato Pasta with Cashew Sauce

Indulge in this comforting and flavorful vegan tomato pasta, featuring a rich and creamy cashew-based sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, offering a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional cream-based pasta dishes.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 300 g Pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite)
  • 1 cup Raw Cashews (soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes)
  • 400 g Canned Crushed Tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Broth
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Prepare the Cashew Cream

Begin by draining the soaked cashews. Place them in a high-speed blender along with the vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine the Sauce

Pour the cashew cream into the tomato sauce and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the tomato cashew sauce. Toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: Approximately 150-180 kcal Protein: 5-7g Fat: 8-10g Carbohydrates: 15-20g Fiber: 2-3g Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

This recipe provides a good source of plant-based protein and healthy fats from the cashews. It is also relatively low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free. Be mindful of portion sizes and consider adding more vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, to boost the nutritional content further.

← Creamy Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup →

FAQ

  • Can I use pre-made cashew cream?

    Yes, you can use pre-made cashew cream to save time. Just make sure it's unsweetened and unflavored.
  • Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

    Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini would all be delicious additions.
  • How long does this pasta last in the fridge?

    This pasta will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.