Vegan Penne Pasta with Creamy Sauce
Indulge in the comfort of this Vegan Penne Pasta with Creamy Sauce, a plant-based delight that’s as rich and satisfying as its dairy-filled counterparts. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is coated in a luscious, velvety sauce made from blended cashews, nutritional yeast, and a hint of garlic, delivering a cheesy and creamy flavor without the use of dairy. Fresh spinach adds a pop of green, while juicy cherry tomatoes provide bursts of sweetness, creating a beautifully balanced dish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it as is or garnish with extra nutritional yeast for a savory, umami-packed finish. Ideal for vegans and pasta lovers alike, this wholesome dish is both comforting and nutritious!
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Ingredients
- 350 grams penne pasta
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 0.25 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Directions
Step 1
Begin by soaking the raw cashews in hot water for 15 minutes to soften them.
Step 2
While the cashews are soaking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 3
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4
In a high-speed blender, combine drained cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic cloves, lemon juice, almond milk, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 5
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the spinach until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6
Pour the creamy cashew sauce into the skillet with the spinach, stirring to combine, and gently heat through.
Step 7
Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the sauce, cooking for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 8
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
Step 9
Serve the vegan penne pasta hot, garnishing with additional nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (976.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2118.9 |
| Total Fat 72.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 11.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2579.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 308.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 21.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 11.5g | |
| Protein 71.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 87.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 553.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 24.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2035.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories