Are you ready to indulge in a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that’s not only delicious but also plant-based? This Creamy Plant Based Pasta Sauce will revolutionize your weeknight dinners and impress even the pickiest eaters! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a rich and velvety sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfectly paired with your favorite pasta, this dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that will transport you straight to Italy. Don’t miss out on this culinary delight—read on to discover how to whip up this mouthwatering recipe in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1 cup water
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta of choice
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the cashews in water for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This softens them and makes them easier to blend into a creamy sauce.
- Once the cashews are soaked, drain and rinse them under cold water. This helps remove any residual flavor from the soaking water.
- In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, 1 cup of fresh water, 2 cloves of garlic (peeled), 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything is well combined.
- After blending, taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Blend again briefly to incorporate the seasoning.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot and pour the creamy plant-based sauce over it. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Gently toss the pasta and sauce together over low heat for 1-2 minutes to warm everything through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the creamy plant-based pasta immediately, garnished with additional nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Soak the Cashews: For the best creamy texture, soak the cashews for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for achieving that smooth consistency in your sauce.
- Blend Thoroughly: When blending the sauce, make sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure all ingredients are well combined. A high-speed blender will yield the creamiest results.
- Adjust the Consistency: If your sauce turns out thicker than you’d like, don’t hesitate to add some reserved pasta cooking water gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Flavor Boost: Taste your sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Pasta Choices: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta—whole grain, gluten-free, or even vegetable-based options work wonderfully with this sauce.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate your dish by garnishing with additional nutritional yeast, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest for a refreshing finish.Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
