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Rich & Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta served in a bowl, featuring rigatoni coated in creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and chili flakes.

Rich & Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Rich & Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a comforting plant-based pasta dish with bold Mediterranean flavors. It features a velvety dairy-free cashew cream sauce, garlic, herbs, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes that coat every bite. Simple yet indulgent, it’s perfect for weeknights or cozy vegetarian dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta
  • ¾ cup raw cashews, soaked
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Vegan parmesan or extra nutritional yeast, for topping

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 by 2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Blend soaked cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and red chili flakes, cooking briefly to release flavor.
  5. Reduce heat and stir in the blended cashew sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for a few minutes.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated, using reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Finish with fresh basil, adjust seasoning, and remove from heat.

Notes

  • Soak cashews well to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture.
  • Pasta water helps achieve a silky, restaurant-style sauce consistency.
  • Add spinach, mushrooms, or chickpeas for extra nutrition.
  • Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.