Description
This Vegan Creamy Tuscan Pasta is a rich, plant-based comfort meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Made with cashew or coconut cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, it’s the perfect cozy dinner for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes)
- 1 cup coconut milk or oat cream
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, vegan parmesan, or fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine soaked cashews, coconut milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until creamy and smooth.
- Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Sauce and Veggies: Pour the cashew sauce into the skillet. Add Italian seasoning and stir. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Spinach: Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted.
- Toss with Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add splashes of pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with red pepper flakes, vegan parmesan, or basil if desired.
Notes
Soak the cashews in hot water to ensure a smooth sauce. If you prefer a nut-free version, replace cashews with silken tofu or sunflower seeds. For meal prep, store the sauce separately and combine before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg