Name: Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (gluten-free or regular); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes); 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

A rich and velvety pasta dish that combines the bold flavors of fire-roasted tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a smooth cashew-based cream sauce. This dairy-free recipe offers everything I love about comfort food—creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying—without any heavy ingredients. It’s a perfect choice whether I need a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress with a flavorful plant-based meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz pasta (gluten-free or regular)

1 tablespoon olive oil

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes)

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set it aside.

In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.

I add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes and let them simmer for 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.

While that simmers, I blend the soaked cashews with water, nutritional yeast, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

I pour the cashew cream into the skillet with the tomatoes, stirring well, and let it simmer on low heat for another 5-7 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.

Then I add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the noodles are evenly coated.

Finally, I taste and adjust the salt and pepper, garnish with fresh herbs if I have them on hand, and serve it warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories per serving: 390 kcal

Variations

I sometimes add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables and nutrients.

For a smoky kick, I replace the red pepper flakes with a pinch of smoked paprika.

If I’m out of cashews, I use sunflower seeds or silken tofu as an alternative for the creamy base.

I like to use lentil or chickpea pasta when I want to add more protein.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I add a splash of water or plant milk to loosen the sauce, since it thickens as it sits. I reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

How can I make this nut-free?

I replace the cashews with silken tofu or sunflower seeds for a similar creamy texture without nuts.

Can I freeze this pasta?

I don’t recommend freezing the finished dish, as the cashew cream can separate. However, the sauce itself (without pasta) freezes well for up to a month.

What kind of pasta works best?

I use any kind of pasta I like—gluten-free, regular, whole wheat, or legume-based all work well with this sauce.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, I just skip the red pepper flakes or reduce them to make it milder for kids.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It makes dinner even faster.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting, fast, and satisfying. The dairy-free cashew cream brings all the richness I crave, while the garlic and fire-roasted tomatoes keep the flavor bold and bright. Whether I’m cooking for myself, family, or guests, this recipe never disappoints.

📖 Recipe:

Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegan

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Description

A rich and velvety dairy-free pasta dish made with fire-roasted tomatoes, garlic, and a creamy cashew-based sauce. Comforting, plant-based, and quick to prepare, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive plant-based meals.