How to Make the Perfect Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Italian · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
This creamy sun dried tomato pasta features a luscious cashew-based sauce that makes it completely vegan without sacrificing richness. A restaurant-worthy vegan dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 15g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
- 0.75 cup raw cashews soaked for 2 hours
- 0.5 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil drained
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Blend the Cream Sauce
Drain soaked cashews and add to a blender along with vegetable broth, half the sun dried tomatoes, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high for 90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cook Garlic and Tomatoes
In a large skillet heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add garlic and remaining sun dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add spinach and stir for 1 minute until wilted.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Pour the cashew cream sauce into the skillet and heat over medium-low. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately with fresh basil.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- raw cashews → silken tofu blended smooth for a lower fat cream sauce
- sun dried tomatoes in oil → dry-packed sun dried tomatoes rehydrated in warm water
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not soaking cashews long enough which results in a grainy rather than silky smooth sauce
- Adding too much pasta water at once which makes the sauce too thin and watery
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 15g protein, 72g carbs, 18g fat, 4g fiber.
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