Silky cashew cream sauce with roasted garlic
Vegan Creamy Garlic Pasta
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Vegan Creamy Garlic Pasta
Silky cashew cream sauce with roasted garlic
★4.3(19)
Penne tossed in a velvety roasted garlic cashew cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. A date-night-worthy pasta that happens to be completely plant-based.
10m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This creamy vegan pasta proves you do not need dairy for a luxurious sauce. Roasted garlic blended with cashews creates a rich, deeply savory cream that clings to every piece of pasta.
Italian cooking is built on a foundation of simplicity and quality ingredients. This recipe honors that tradition while being approachable for home cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- 2
Blend soaked cashews, roasted garlic, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper until completely smooth.
- 3
Heat the cashew sauce in a large pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until warmed.
- 4
Add drained pasta and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss, adding pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency.
- 5
Serve topped with fresh basil, cracked pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Substitutions
CashewsSteamed cauliflower or white beans
Nut-free cream alternatives
PenneAny pasta shape
Shells and fusilli hold the sauce especially well
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Reserve more pasta water than you think you need—the sauce thickens as it cools.
Roast garlic ahead: wrap a whole head in foil and bake at 400°F for 40 minutes.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of plant milk to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 4 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein14g
Carbohydrates58g
Fat14g
Fiber380mg
Sugar3g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought roasted garlic?
- Yes, or use 4 cloves of raw garlic for a sharper, more pungent flavor.
- How do I make this nut-free?
- Blend steamed cauliflower with the garlic and broth for a nut-free cream sauce.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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