Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

The kitchen fills with the enticing aroma of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic as you prepare this delectable dish. Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, making it not only quick but also an indulgent option for a busy weeknight. The combination of soaked cashews and nutritional yeast creates a rich, cheesy flavor without any dairy.

This recipe is perfect for vegans or anyone seeking a delicious plant-based meal. It’s great for dinner gatherings or when you need a comforting meal. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge, saving even more time when you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The creamy texture of the sauce rivals traditional Alfredo.
• It takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Every bite bursts with rich, savory flavors from sun-dried tomatoes.
• The recipe is easily adaptable to different pasta shapes.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for a beautiful, creamy pasta dish.

For the Pasta

• 8 oz pasta of choice

For the Creamy Sauce

• 1 cup cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Serving

• Fresh basil, for garnish
• Vegan parmesan, for garnish
• Red pepper flakes, for garnish

Soak cashews for extra creaminess.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use any pasta shape you prefer.
• Almonds may replace cashews.
• Sun-dried tomatoes can be swapped for roasted red peppers.
• Use homemade broth for more flavor.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps for a creamy, flavorful pasta dish.

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.

2. Blend the Sauce

In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Heat the Sauce

Pour the creamy sauce into a large pan over medium heat. Allow it to warm while stirring gently.

4. Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing well to ensure every piece is coated in the rich sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

5. Serve and Garnish

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil, a sprinkle of vegan parmesan, and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: no, the sauce texture may change.
Reheat: warm on the stove over low heat for 5-7 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Soaking cashews longer enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
• Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs for added depth.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve alongside garlic bread for a comforting dinner.
• Enjoy as a hearty meal prep option for busy days.