Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta (Print)
Rich, velvety pasta with sun-dried tomato and cashew cream sauce.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12.3 oz dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti; gluten-free if desired)
→ Sauce
02 - 3.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained, plus 2 tbsp 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 tbsp nutritional yeast
06 - 2 cloves garlic
07 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Vegetables & Garnish
11 - 1 tbsp 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 (to serve)
15 - Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to serve)
# How To Make It:
01 - Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup 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. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
03 - Heat olive oil (or reserved sun-dried tomato oil) in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
04 - Pour creamy sun-dried tomato sauce into skillet and bring to gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
06 - Add cooked pasta to skillet, tossing to combine. Add splash of reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick. Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cashew base creates silkiness that actually lets you feel good about seconds
- Sun dried tomatoes bring this intense concentrated flavor that feels luxurious
02 -
- Dont skip soaking the cashews or your sauce will have an unpleasant sandy texture
- The sauce thickens as it sits so have that pasta water ready to bring it back to life
03 -
- Reserve more pasta water than you think you need it saves so many dishes
- Toast your cashews lightly before soaking for an even nuttier deeper flavor