Creamy Vegan Pasta Recipe
Here's a simple and delicious Creamy Vegan Pasta recipe that’s 100% dairy-free, made with wholesome ingredients and packed with flavor.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
350–400 g (12–14 oz) pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
Salt for the pasta water
For the Creamy Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk/soy milk)
½ cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15–30 minutes, then drained)
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp onion powder (optional)
½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Optional Add-ins:
1 cup baby spinach or kale
1 cup mushrooms, sliced and sautéed
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Make the Cashew Cream:
In a blender, combine soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).
4. Add Sauce to Skillet:
Pour in the cashew cream and add dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
Stir and let simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Add a bit of pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
5. Combine Pasta & Sauce:
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
Stir in spinach or other vegetables (if using) and cook until wilted or warmed through.
6. Serve:
Garnish with fresh herbs and cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately with a side of salad or vegan garlic bread.
Tips
No blender? Use store-bought vegan cream or blend silken tofu for a shortcut.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder.
You can make this gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.