Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a luscious, creamy sauce that’s completely vegan? Look no further! This Vegan Creamy Pasta Sauce is not only a delightful twist on traditional Italian cuisine, but it’s also super easy to whip up in just 20 minutes. With a base of soaked cashews and nutritional yeast, this sauce is rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor—perfect for impressing your family or hosting a dinner party. Say goodbye to store-bought sauces and hello to a homemade delight that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta of choice
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Start by soaking the cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. If you have time, soak them overnight for the smoothest texture.
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly under cold water.
- Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
- Add the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper to a high-speed blender.
- Blend the mixture on high speed for 3-4 minutes until completely smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot and pour the blended cashew sauce over the pasta.
- Gently stir to coat the pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the creamy, dairy-free sauce.
Tips
- Soak the Cashews: For the creamiest texture, soak your cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you have the time. This step is crucial for blending them into a smooth sauce.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and basil can significantly enhance the flavor of your sauce. Opt for fresh over dried whenever possible.
- Adjust the Consistency: Keep some reserved pasta cooking water handy! If your sauce is too thick, adding a bit of this starchy water will help achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to taste your sauce before serving! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking for a more personalized flavor.
- Experiment with Pasta: This sauce pairs well with any pasta shape, so feel free to get creative! Whether you prefer spaghetti, penne, or gluten-free options, the creamy sauce will complement them all.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil on top not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s aroma and flavor.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before mixing it with your cooked pasta.Enjoy crafting this delectable Vegan Creamy Pasta Sauce, and watch your guests rave about this deliciously dairy-free dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 99g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
