Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta (Print View)

Rich, velvety pasta with sun-dried tomato cashew cream in 30 minutes

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti; gluten-free if desired)

→ Sauce

02 - 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained, plus 2 tablespoons oil reserved
03 - 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and drained
04 - 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
05 - 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
06 - 2 cloves garlic
07 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Vegetables & Garnish

11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or reserved sun-dried tomato oil
12 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
13 - 2 cups fresh baby spinach
14 - Fresh basil leaves, torn
15 - Crushed red pepper flakes

# Method:

01 - Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, reserving ½ cup of cooking water, and set aside.
02 - Combine soaked cashews, sun-dried tomatoes, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a high-speed blender. Process until completely smooth and creamy.
03 - Heat olive oil or reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
04 - Pour the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
05 - Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, approximately 2 minutes.
06 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency. Serve immediately garnished with torn basil and red pepper flakes.

# Insider Tips:

01 -
  • The cashew base creates an incredibly velvety texture that nobody will guess is dairy free
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
  • If your sauce is too thick use that reserved pasta water to thin it out
  • Letting the sauce simmer develops the flavors so do not rush this step
03 -
  • Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest results
  • Taste and adjust the seasonings after blending since flavors vary

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