Cashew Cream Pasta Bowl (Printable)

Vegan pasta dish featuring creamy cashew sauce and veggies for comforting, wholesome dining.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cashew Cream Sauce

01 - 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 2 to 4 hours and drained
02 - 1 cup water
03 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
04 - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
05 - 1 garlic clove
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pasta

08 - 12 ounces pasta of choice, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti (use gluten-free pasta if desired)
09 - Salt, for boiling water

→ Vegetables

10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1 small onion, diced
12 - 2 cups broccoli florets
13 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - 1 cup baby spinach

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh basil leaves
16 - Cracked black pepper
17 - Vegan parmesan, optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - Process soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a high-speed blender until the sauce becomes completely smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed and set aside.
02 - Heat a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water and drain the pasta.
03 - Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Incorporate broccoli florets and cook 4 to 5 minutes until just tender. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 2 minutes more. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
04 - Add drained pasta to the skillet with sautéed vegetables. Pour in cashew cream sauce and gently toss to distribute evenly. Use reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen sauce if needed.
05 - Divide into bowls or onto plates. Garnish with fresh basil, cracked black pepper, and vegan parmesan if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to make with everyday ingredients
  • Completely dairy-free and vegan yet silky and satisfying
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners ready in under 40 minutes
  • Customizable with your favorite vegetables and pasta shapes
  • Kids and adults both love the balanced, creamy flavor
02 -
  • Cashew cream sauce works in so many dishes beyond pasta
  • This recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be gluten-free
  • Great meal prep since leftovers keep well and reheat beautifully
  • Packed with fiber protein and essential minerals from nuts and veggies
03 -
  • Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest sauce possible
  • If you like extra tang add an additional squeeze of lemon juice at the end
  • Do not skip tasting and adjusting cashew sauce before combining with pasta
  • Sometimes I toss in a handful of chopped roasted mushrooms for savory depth and color

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