Creamy Vegan Tomato Basil Pasta: A 30-Minute One-Pot Wonder
This creamy vegan tomato basil pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes using one pot. Packed with rich flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a luscious cashew cream sauce, it's a dairy-free dinner everyone will love.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Vegan Tomato Basil Pasta
Let me tell you, this creamy vegan tomato basil pasta is a game-changer. It's rich, velvety, and bursting with tomato-basil flavor, but it's completely dairy-free. The secret? A simple cashew cream sauce that blends up silky smooth and coats every piece of pasta perfectly.
This recipe also comes together in just 30 minutes using one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You don't have to pre-soak cashews if you have a high-speed blender, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 1 lb gluten-free pasta (or regular pasta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water 15 min if not high-speed)
- 1/2 cup water (for blending)
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Additional basil and nuts for garnish(optional)
How to Make Creamy Vegan Tomato Basil Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. While the pasta cooks, you can prepare the sauce. I like to cook the pasta al dente since it will continue to cook a bit when combined with the sauce.
Creamy Vegan Tomato Basil Pasta
🥕Ingredients
Tap to check off as you go
- 1 lb pasta (gluten-free or regular)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked if needed)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
📋Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- 2
While pasta cooks, in a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- 4
Transfer tomato mixture to a blender. Add cashews, water, and basil. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy (about 1 minute).
- 5
Pour the sauce back into the pot over low heat. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- 6
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of cashews if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- •If you don't have a high-speed blender, soak cashews in hot water for 15 minutes before blending.
- •For a nut-free version, substitute raw sunflower seeds for cashews (soak them too).
- •Reserve pasta water before draining – the starch helps bind the sauce.
Nutrition per serving
Pro Tip for Creamy Sauce
Always reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. The starchy water is perfect for thinning the sauce without making it watery, and it helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is a meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. For extra protein, add some cooked lentils or vegan meatballs. It also pairs wonderfully with a glass of Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This creamy vegan tomato basil pasta has become a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation for good reason. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor that satisfies even non-vegans. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as we do. Don't forget to pin this recipe for later!
Written by
Elena HarperI'm Elena, a home cook turned recipe developer. On Cooking Word, I share simple, bold-flavored meals that bring people together.
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