Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta (Printable)

Rich, velvety pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and cashews for a comforting Italian-inspired meal ready in 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 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 reserved oil
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
15 - Crushed red pepper flakes

# Directions:

01 - Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the 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 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
04 - Pour the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
06 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cashew base creates an unbelievable richness that rivals any dairy cream sauce I've ever tasted
  • This comes together in thirty minutes flat but tastes like something you simmered all afternoon
02 -
  • Soaking the cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes is non negotiable unless you want a grainy sauce
  • That reserved pasta water saves dishes that feel too dry, so don't pour it down the drain
03 -
  • Use the sun-dried tomato oil instead of olive oil when sautéing the onions for extra depth
  • If your blender struggles, add the plant milk gradually to help things get moving

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