Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

You know, there’s something utterly magical about the combination of creamy textures and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s as if every bite of this pasta whispers stories of warm Mediterranean nights. This Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta has become a beloved staple in my kitchen, not just for its satisfying flavors, but because it embodies that welcoming vibe we all crave after a long day. Imagine inviting friends over, telling them you cooked up a storm, and watching their eyes widen with delight as they taste this rich and velvety dish. Trust me, this one is a showstopper!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why put a smile on your face and a skip in your step? Because this recipe does just that! Picture this: you’re twirling a forkful of creamy pasta, vibrant with sun-dried tomatoes, and every bite is rich and satisfying. The sauce is made from soaked cashews, providing that dreamy creaminess without a drop of dairy—perfect for keeping things plant-based.

It’s not just about flavor; it’s about ease, too! With just a handful of ingredients, this dish practically makes itself. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip this up. And the best part? You can feel good about indulging in comfort food that’s wholesome and nourishing. This pasta is perfect for a cozy dinner or even for meal prep—what’s not to love?

Gather These Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of your choice: Go for whole grain or chickpea pasta for a hearty option. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours): Soaking them unlocks their creamy potential, transforming them into a silky sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil): These little gems bring a burst of flavor and sweetness. They pack a delicious punch that elevates the whole dish.

• 1 garlic clove: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable! It adds depth and that aromatic goodness we all know and love.

• 1/2 cup vegetable broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level, and feel free to enhance the richness by using homemade broth if you have it.

• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast: This magical ingredient adds that cheesy flavor. It’s like giving your pasta a big, warm hug.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing those flavors—don’t skip tasting along the way!

• Fresh basil for garnish: Bright, fragrant basil really ties everything together, adding freshness that makes each mouthful sing.

• Vegan parmesan for garnish (optional): If you like that extra layer of cheesy vibe, sprinkle a bit on top before serving!

• Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional): A pinch of heat can transform the dish, adding a lovely kick if you’re feeling adventurous!

The Cooking Process Explained

1. Cook the Pasta: First up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and toss in your 8 oz of pasta. Stir gently and let it bubble until it’s al dente—just firm enough to bite! Drain it and set aside; you’ll thank me later for the perfect bite.

2. Blend the Sauce: In your trusty blender or food processor, toss in those soaked cashews, sun-dried tomatoes, a clove of garlic, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Blend away until creamy smooth! If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth until you reach your desired consistency. This is where the magic truly happens!

3. Heat the Sauce: Grab a large skillet, heat it over medium heat, and pour in that creamy concoction. You only need to cook it for about 2-3 minutes—just enough for the flavors to meld and grow deeper. Stir it frequently; this step is crucial!

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Now, it’s time to reunite your pasta with the creamy sauce. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet and mix, ensuring every noodle is luxuriously coated with that creamy goodness.

5. Garnish and Serve: Plating is where you can really show off! Serve your pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil, a sprinkle of vegan parmesan, and if you’re feeling spicy, a dash of red pepper flakes. Prepare for compliments!

Best Way to Enjoy It

To truly elevate your dining experience, I recommend serving this Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with a crunchy side salad—a mix of crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and maybe a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, some garlic bread on the side wouldn’t hurt! Trust me, the key is in balancing flavors and textures; a little crunch goes a long way.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (doubtful, but still), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dive back in, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth to loosen up the sauce. If you want to freeze it, be sure to portion it out and store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

Pro Chef Tips

1. Don’t skimp on soaking the cashews: This is your secret weapon for ultra-creamy sauce—so plan ahead!

2. Add more garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like me, doubling the amount gives it a robust kick that’s just right.

3. Experiment with herbs: Toss in other herbs like oregano or thyme into your sauce while blending for an extra flavor twist.

Recipe Variations

Feeling playful? Go ahead and swap out the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms for a completely different flavor profile. You can even add spinach or kale into the sauce for a veggie boost—just wilt it in during the last minutes of cooking. It’s all about creativity here, so use what you love!

Ingredients List

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Vegan parmesan for garnish (optional)
• Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

Directions to Follow

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine soaked cashews, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the creamy sauce and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil, vegan parmesan, and red pepper flakes as desired.

Your Questions Answered

1. Can I use different pasta? Absolutely! Any pasta will work here. Whole grain, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles if you want a lighter twist.

2. What else can I add? Feel free to fold in some peas or cherry tomatoes for added freshness!

3. How can I make it spicy? A pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking amps up the heat. Spice lovers, rejoice!

4. Can I freeze the sauce? Yes, the sauce freezes beautifully. Just label and date your containers, and enjoy later!

5. How long does it take to prepare? The entire process, from start to finish, takes about 30 minutes. Quick cooking for a satisfying meal!

This Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is more than just a dish; it’s an opportunity to experience the joy of cooking delicious, healthful food. So why not dive into this recipe tonight and let your culinary adventure unfold? Don’t forget to share your experiences—I can’t wait to hear how it goes! Happy cooking!

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Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Dairy Free E Easy Quick Meals Vegan

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 30 hrs

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 400

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta pairs creamy textures with vibrant flavors for a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta of your choice (Whole grain or chickpea pasta recommended)
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours)
• ¹⁄₂ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
• 1 clove garlic (freshly minced)
• ¹⁄₂ cup vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (adds cheesy flavor)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (for garnish)
• Vegan parmesan (for garnish (optional))
• Red pepper flakes (for garnish (optional))

Cooking Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Cook the Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   Mark as complete

2. Blend the Sauce

   In a blender, combine soaked cashews, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
   Mark as complete

3. Heat the Sauce

   In a skillet over medium heat, pour in the blended sauce and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, mixing until the pasta is well-coated.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Serve hot with fresh basil, and optionally sprinkle with vegan parmesan and red pepper flakes.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 350mg15%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 3g

Protein 10g20%

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Vitamin A 250 IU

Vitamin C 5 mg

Calcium 60 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.25 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 2 mg

Vitamin B6 0.1 mg

Folate 35 mcg

Vitamin B12 0 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 50 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 0 mcg

Copper 0.5 mg

Manganese 1 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Keywords: vegan, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy, easy recipe