Okay, so picture this: you’re craving something seriously comforting, maybe a little fancy, but also, like, actually good for you and not a total hassle to make. My life’s mission is to bring you those kinds of recipes, and this Vegan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Cashew Sauce is a major win.
Seriously, it’s my go-to when I need a quick weeknight meal that feels like a chef’s kiss, but only takes about 20 minutes and minimal effort. We’re talking tender pasta swimming in this ridiculously rich, dreamy cashew-based sauce, packed with the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food that happens to be entirely plant-based, which is kind of the dream, right?
If you’ve been searching for an easy vegan creamy sun-dried tomato pasta with cashew sauce recipe that will wow your taste buds without keeping you in the kitchen all night, you’ve found it. This homemade vegan creamy sun-dried tomato pasta with cashew sauce is proof that you don’t need dairy or a ton of ingredients to create something truly epic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 25 minutes, perfect for those I’m-starving-now moments.
- Super beginner-friendly – no fancy chef skills required, promise!
- Completely vegan and easily made gluten-free by using your favorite GF pasta.
- Packed with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and creamy cashews.
- Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly win.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Vegan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Cashew Sauce is honestly a star on its own, but we can totally jazz it up. For a little green goodness, a side of Mixed Green Salad would be perfect. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, imagine pairing it with some Garlic Naan for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
And for drinks? Something light and refreshing like a Watermelon Agua Fresca or a Strawberry Daiquiri Cocktail would cut through the richness beautifully. If you’re looking for a hearty side, Roasted Vegetables always hit the spot.
Pro Tips and Storage
- Soak Your Cashews Smart: If you forget to soak your cashews overnight, don’t stress! Just cover them with boiling water for about 30 minutes to soften them up before blending.
- Spice It Up: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering, or drizzle with some Sriracha Mayo before serving.
- Store it Well: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken up, so you may need to add a splash of water or plant-based milk when reheating.
- Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook your pasta! Al dente is key here, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
- Nut-Free Option: If cashews aren’t your thing or you have a nut allergy, try using soaked sunflower seeds or a base of silken tofu for a similar creamy texture.
Recipe Variations
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted broccoli florets into the pasta for extra nutrients and texture.
- Protein Power: Add some pan-fried tofu, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based sausage for a heartier meal.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Intensity: For an even more intense flavor, add a tablespoon of Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto to the sauce along with the chopped tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the cashew sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop and toss with freshly cooked pasta. - What if I don’t have a high-powered blender?
Soaking your cashews is even more important here! If your blender isn’t super powerful, you might need to blend for a bit longer or add a little extra liquid to get that super smooth, creamy consistency. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or plant-based milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
What’s your favorite way to level up pasta night? Let me know in the comments below! If you try this recipe, please rate it and leave a comment! Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag us on Instagram!

Vegan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Cashew Sauce
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 Colander
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti - any type
- 1 cup raw cashews - soaked for at least 2 hours
- 1 cup almond milk - or any plant-based milk
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes - packed in oil, drained
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast - for cheesy flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder - for depth
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- Fresh basil - for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- In a blender, combine soaked cashews, almond milk, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, nutritional yeast, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a frying pan over medium heat, pour the creamy sauce and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta well. Heat for another minute.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
