How to Make the Perfect Creamy Vegan Cashew Pasta
American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This creamy vegan cashew pasta is proof that plant-based cooking can be rich and indulgent in just 15 minutes. This quick recipe blends soaked cashews into a silky smooth sauce that rivals any dairy-based cream pasta.
Why this recipe works
This Creamy Vegan Cashew Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 490 calories with 16g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 300 g pasta of choice
- 150 g raw cashews soaked in boiling water for 10 minutes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 180 ml pasta cooking water
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Soak Cashews and Cook Pasta
Place cashews in a bowl, cover with boiling water, and let soak for 10 minutes while pasta cooks in salted boiling water until al dente.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
Drain cashews and blend with garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and 180ml of hot pasta water until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Toss and Adjust
Drain pasta and return to the pot, pour cashew sauce over and toss over low heat until evenly coated, adding more pasta water if needed.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Season with salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice if desired, then serve immediately topped with fresh herbs or red pepper flakes.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- raw cashews → white beans blended for a lower fat but equally creamy alternative
- nutritional yeast → miso paste for a different but equally savory umami depth
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 smooth sauce
- Using cold pasta water in the blender which makes it harder to achieve a silky texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 490 calories, 16g protein, 62g carbs, 22g fat, 4g fiber.
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