Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta

Introduction

Nothing beats the flavor-packed punch and velvety texture of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta. This recipe delivers bold richness and incredible depth using plant-based ingredients—with silky cashew cream, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, dinner becomes a restaurant-worthy event. It’s a simple, comforting main dish perfect for serving a crowd or prepping for cozy weeknight meals.

The Allure of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta

What makes this pasta a true crowd pleaser is its luscious, dairy-free cream sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes bring an intense, slightly sweet tang that pairs beautifully with basil and a hint of umami. Cashews lend a silky texture while keeping the dish entirely plant-based—no one will guess it’s vegan!

Whipping Up the Creamy Vegan Sauce

To create the signature creaminess, soak raw cashews until soft, then blend them with plant milk, sautéed garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. A little lemon juice and nutritional yeast boost the sauce’s brightness and cheesy flavor, ensuring a rich but not overpowering taste. Allowing the sauce to rest for a few minutes lets the flavors marry perfectly before tossing with your favorite pasta.

Perfect Assembly: Bringing Pasta and Sauce Together

Cook your pasta just al dente, reserving a splash of pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Stir together the noodles with your luscious sun-dried tomato sauce right before serving. Top with plenty of fresh basil and extra sun-dried tomato slivers for beautiful presentation and an added burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions for a Vibrant Plate

Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad, warm vegan garlic bread, or simple steamed broccolini. For added protein, toss in sautéed vegan sausage or roasted chickpeas. This dish shines as a weeknight centerpiece and is just as welcome at a festive table.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous servings. Each serving packs approximately 450 to 500 calories, with plenty of heart-healthy fats, plant protein, and fiber—making it both nourishing and satisfying.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta (Recap)

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta transforms simple ingredients into a decadent, plant-powered meal bursting with flavor. Vibrant and smooth, it’s guaranteed to become a staple for pasta lovers seeking a delicious vegan twist.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list—ingredients are sorted by store section, making grocery trips simple and efficient for any meal plan.

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews in hot water for at least 1 hour or overnight. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 more minute.
4. In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, plant milk, sautéed garlic and tomato paste, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and (optional) red pepper flakes. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
5. Return sauce to the skillet over low heat. Stir gently and add splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
6. Toss drained pasta into the skillet, stirring until evenly coated in sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Plate pasta and garnish with extra sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Serve immediately.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Vegan Pasta is ideal for prepping ahead in your weekly meal plan. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which days you’ll enjoy it and automatically build a shopping list that covers every meal you’re making.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates total ingredient amounts if you’re doubling or mixing recipes
• Organizes your grocery list by department for faster shopping
• Prevents overbuying or forgetting things, cutting down on food waste
• Keeps meal prep easy and organized, even for busy weeks

Pro tip: When planning several meals, schedule all your recipes—CookifyAI will total up all repeated ingredients (like pasta or garlic), so you always buy the right quantity.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding soaking)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus cashew soaking)