Sun-dried tomato pasta: a classic dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This vegan version swaps traditional cheese for a creamy cashew sauce, delivering a dish that’s both decadent and dairy-free. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich, tangy sauce, studded with sweet sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Unveiling the Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water, plus more if needed
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Vegan sun-dried tomato pasta ingredients laid out on a table
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Make the cashew cream sauce: While the pasta is cooking, combine the cashews, sun-dried tomatoes, nutritional yeast, garlic, basil, parsley, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water 1 tablespoon at a time if needed to reach desired consistency.
High-speed blender blending cashew cream sauce ingredients
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to a large bowl. Pour the cashew cream sauce over the pasta and toss to coat. Add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve and enjoy! Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Tips From My Kitchen to Yours
- Sun-dried tomato variations: Use oil-packed or dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes for this recipe. If using dry-packed tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water for 30 minutes before using.
- Nut-free option: For a nut-free alternative, substitute the cashew cream sauce with a sunflower seed cream sauce. Simply soak 1 cup of raw sunflower seeds in hot water for at least 30 minutes, then blend with the remaining sauce ingredients.
- Storage: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Vegan sun-dried tomato pasta served on two plates
“The key to a delicious vegan sun-dried tomato pasta lies in a well-balanced sauce. The cashews provide creaminess, the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, and the sun-dried tomatoes bring sweetness and a touch of acidity.” – Chef Anya Green
FAQs About This Dish
- Can I use a different type of nut for the cream sauce? Absolutely! While cashews offer a neutral flavor and creamy texture, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or macadamias. Just be sure to soak them beforehand for optimal creaminess.
- How do I store leftover cashew cream sauce? You can store any extra cashew cream sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used as a dip for vegetables, a spread for sandwiches, or a base for creamy salad dressings.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the pasta and make the cashew cream sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine right before serving.
- What can I serve with vegan sun-dried tomato pasta? This pasta pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Can I freeze vegan sun-dried tomato pasta? While it’s not recommended to freeze the fully assembled dish, you can freeze the cashew cream sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and blend it again before using.
This vegan sun-dried tomato pasta recipe is a celebration of flavor and simplicity. It’s a testament to the fact that plant-based meals can be incredibly satisfying and flavorful. So, grab your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
