Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta recipe. Perfect for both vegans and dairy enthusiasts alike, this dish marries the richness of tomatoes with the creamy texture of cashews. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, from the deep umami of sun-dried tomatoes to the nutty creaminess of cashew sauce, finished off with a hint of basil and spice. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, this pasta will undoubtedly impress with its complexity and satisfying taste.
History of Creamy Tomato Pasta
Creamy tomato pasta has long been a staple in Italian cuisine, known for its luscious sauce and ability to please even the most discerning palates. Traditionally, this dish is made with dairy cream, which adds a velvety texture but also excludes those following a vegan lifestyle. In recent years, chefs and home cooks alike have embraced plant-based alternatives to achieve the same creamy consistency without compromising on taste. Our vegan adaptation not only preserves the essence of this classic dish but enhances it with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water, plus more for cooking pasta
- 3/4 cup raw cashews, divided
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 3 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, divided
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- Fresh basil leaves, finely chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Cashew Cream
- Soak Cashews: In a small pot, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup of cashews. Cover and let soak for 1 hour.
- Blend Cashews: Drain and rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly. Transfer them to a blender along with 1/2 cup of water and 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Blend until smooth, creating a creamy texture. Set aside approximately 3/4 cup of cashew cream.
Cook Pasta
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until just al dente, about 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of pasta cooking liquid before draining.
Prepare Spiced Cashews
- Toast Cashews: In a large skillet over low heat, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and the remaining 1/4 cup of cashews. Toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
Make the Tomato Sauce
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and begins to stick to the skillet, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Cashew Cream: Whisk in approximately 3/4 cup of the prepared cashew cream and 3/4 cup of the reserved pasta cooking liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s well combined.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy tomato sauce until well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, adding more pasta cooking liquid as needed to achieve a glossy and evenly coated texture.
- Season and Serve: Season the pasta with additional salt to taste, if necessary. Divide the creamy tomato vegan pasta among serving bowls.
Garnish and Serve
- Add Final Touches: Using a microplane grater, finely grate the reserved toasted cashews over each serving of pasta to mimic the look of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over the pasta for a burst of fresh aroma and color.
Conclusion
Our Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta recipe not only reimagines a classic favorite but elevates it to new heights with plant-based ingredients. Each step is crafted to ensure a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that rivals traditional dairy-laden versions. Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings, this recipe promises to satisfy and delight. Embrace the richness of flavors and the comfort of a well-executed pasta dish—all without compromising your dietary preferences.