Craving a rich and creamy cashew pasta sauce that’s completely vegan? This cashew-based recipe is the perfect answer!
If you’re a lover of creamy pasta sauces but have struggled to find a vegan version that hits the spot, you’re not alone. I went through the same dilemma for years, missing that rich, velvety texture of traditional cream-based sauces. So, I decided to create my own, using cashews to deliver a smooth, satisfying sauce that’s not only plant-based but also packed with flavor. This dish has become a go-to in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cashew Pasta Sauce
You’ll love this creamy cashew pasta sauce because it’s everything you crave in a classic Alfredo-style dish—rich, smooth, and indulgently satisfying—but completely plant-based! The cashews provide a naturally luscious texture, while the blend of seasonings adds layers of flavor with just the right amount of spice and tang. It’s quick and easy to make, versatile enough to pair with your favorite pasta or add-ins, and so delicious that even non-vegans will be coming back for seconds. This sauce is proof that comfort food can be healthy, flavorful, and cruelty-free!
Creamy Cashew Pasta with a Hint of Spice
Ingredients:
- 1 lb angel hair pasta (or your preferred kind)
- Pinch of salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
- 200 ml vegetable broth
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of paprika
- Pinch of red chili pepper flakes
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
Prep:
- Start by soaking the cashews in boiling water for 5 minutes to soften them.
- While the cashews are soaking, dice half of a yellow onion.
Cooking:
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a medium pan over medium heat, then add the diced onion along with the vegetable broth. Let it simmer until most of the broth evaporates, softening the onion.
- In a blender, combine the soaked cashews (drain them first), sautéed onion, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and all the seasonings. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
- Pour the creamy cashew sauce over the drained pasta and stir until well-coated.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy every bite!
Tips for Customizing Your Creamy Cashew Pasta
This recipe is easy to adapt to your personal taste. You can add more or less spice depending on your heat preference, or switch up the seasonings for a different flavor profile. Try adding roasted garlic instead of fresh for a sweeter, deeper flavor, or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick. If you’re in the mood for something even heartier, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli would make great additions to this dish.
For a protein boost, I love pairing this pasta with Gardein vegan chick’n strips. Their texture and flavor blend perfectly with the creamy sauce, making this a well-rounded and filling meal.
Creamy Cashew Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb angel hair pasta or any other kind you prefer
- pinch of salt
Sauce
- 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
- 200 ml vegetable broth
- half yellow onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 pinch paprika
- 1 pinch red chili pepper flakes
- 1 pinch cayenner pepper
Instructions
Prep
- Soak the cashews in boiling water and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Dice half an onion.
Cooking
- In a medium pot, bring water to boil. Add the pasta, boil according to instructions on the package.
- Preheat a medium pan. Add the diced onion to the pan and pour the vegetable broth over the onion. Boil for a few minutes until the water mostly evaporates.
- In a blender cup, add soaked cashews (without the water), the onions, the nutritional yeast, the lemon juice and the rest of the seasoning.
- Blend well for 1 minute until the texture is creamy.
- Drain the pasta water. Pour the cashew cream over the pasta in the pot and mix well.
- Serve hot. Bon appetit!
A Creamy, Satisfying Dish You Can Make Anytime
Finding a creamy vegan pasta sauce that satisfies your cravings is no easy feat, but this cashew-based version is a game-changer. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With the perfect balance of creaminess and spice, it’s a comfort food classic that’s both indulgent and nutritious.
Serve it with Gardein vegan chick’n strips, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad to complete the meal. Bon appétit!