Easy Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta Recipe

Dinner tonight can be both heartwarming and healthy. A plate piled high with pasta in a rich, vibrant sauce bursting with roasted red pepper flavor is what you’re going to serve tonight. This vegan red pepper pasta dish is surprisingly creamy, thanks to the magic of cashews, and comes together in a way that won’t leave you feeling hungry.

A person is holding a spoonful of pasta in a white bowl.
Photo Credit: Two City Vegans.
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Why You’ll Love These Easy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta Recipe

  • Weeknight wonder: Short on time? This vegan red pepper pasta comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight rescue mission for satisfying, healthy dinners.
  • Pantry magic: Craving a delicious meal but missing a trip to the store? This recipe relies on pantry staples you probably already have on hand, with a pop of vibrant red pepper for freshness.
  • Creamy without the dairy: You won’t miss the cheese! Cashews create a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s perfect for coating your favorite pasta.
  • Budget-friendly: Plant-based proteins and pantry staples make this dish kind on your wallet, leaving more room for fun extras at the grocery store next time.
  • Dietary win: Vegan, gluten-free variations possible! This recipe is naturally vegan and can be easily adapted for gluten-free diets with a simple pasta swap.
  • Hidden veggie boost: Sneak in extra nutrients with this recipe. Red peppers are packed with vitamins and add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
  • Flavor bomb: Roasted red peppers take center stage, offering a burst of sweet and smoky flavor that elevates this simple pasta dish.
  • Customize it your way: This recipe is just a starting point! Feel free to add your favorite veggies, herbs, or a protein like chickpeas for a heartier meal.
  • Leftover magic: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches throughout the week.
  • Impress your guests: Vegan doesn’t have to mean boring! This vibrant and flavorful pasta is sure to impress anyone at your table, vegan or not.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

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The ingredients for a pasta dish are shown on a white background.
Photo Credit: Two City Vegans.

How to Make Vegan Red Pepper Pasta with Step-By-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

While your pasta cooks, whip up the sauce; toss the soaked cashews, roasted red bell peppers, garlic, a splash of water (about ¼ cup), salt, and nutritional yeast into your blender.

Blend until perfectly smooth and creamy. This will be your flavorful and rich sauce base. Tip: For an extra pop of smokiness, char the red peppers directly over a gas stovetop flame or under the broiler before blending.

In a separate pot over low-medium heat, melt your vegan butter. Once melted, whisk in the cornflour and cook for 3-5 minutes, until it browns slightly. This creates a roux, which will thicken your sauce beautifully.

A person pouring a sauce into a pan.
Blend cashews, peppers, garlic, water, salt, and nutritional yeast, then add to melted vegan butter.
A person pouring sauce into a frying pan.
Add the pepper sauce to the cooked spaghetti.
A frying pan filled with pasta and sauce.
Toss to coat evenly.

Slowly pour your creamy cashew mixture into the pot with the melted butter and cornflour roux. Whisk constantly to ensure a smooth and lump-free sauce.

Add a generous grind of black pepper and continue whisking as the sauce simmers gently for 3-5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reach a perfect consistency – not too thick, not too runny.

Once the sauce is thickened and your pasta is cooked al dente (check the package instructions for timing!), it’s time to serve!

Drain the pasta (reserving a little pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce) and toss it with the delicious red pepper sauce. Enjoy!

A person is sprinkling some herbs on a bowl of pasta.
Photo Credit: Two City Vegans.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

Want to make the best possible red pepper pasta dish? Follow our expert tips for total perfection.

  • Cashew Cream Magic: Soaking the cashews for at least 30 minutes ensures a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce. If you’re short on time, you can try boiling them for 10 minutes instead.
  • Roasted Red Pepper Power: Roasting your red peppers intensifies their sweetness and adds a touch of smokiness. For an extra flavor boost, char the peppers directly over a gas stovetop flame or under the broiler before blending.
  • Dietary Swaps: Make it gluten-free! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta for this recipe.
  • Thicken it Up: If your sauce seems too thin after simmering, you can add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water to create a thicker consistency.
  • Leftovers Love: This recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
  • Get Creative! This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add your favorite chopped veggies like zucchini, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients. For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chickpeas or lentils to the sauce.
  • Spice it Up!: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to your sauce while it simmers.
  • Freshness Matters: Finish your pasta with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or chives for an extra pop of flavor and color.

What to Serve With Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Serve this heavenly creamy red pepper pasta alongside a chunk of crusty bread, or try a slice of garlic bread.

It’s perfect with a green leaf salad or, for a zingy contrast, our blood orange and fennel salad. Go simple with a side serving of cucumber, or try the delicious Korean cucumber salad.

How to Store Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

A bowl of pasta with garlic and lemon on a table.
Photo Credit: Two City Vegans.

This delicious pasta dish reheats beautifully and can be enjoyed throughout the week! Here’s how to store your leftovers for maximum freshness:

  1. Cool It Down: Let your leftover pasta cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
  2. Airtight is the Way to Go: Transfer your leftover pasta and sauce to separate airtight containers. This prevents them from drying out or absorbing any unwanted fridge odors.
  3. Label & Chill: Label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness. Stash them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  4. Planning to enjoy your leftovers for lunch? Portion them out into single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
A bowl of pasta with garlic and herbs on a wooden table.
Photo Credit: Two City Vegans.

More Easy Vegan Recipes for You to Try at Home

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A person is holding a spoonful of pasta in a white bowl.

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Mandy Applegate
Weeknights shouldn't mean sacrificing taste or nutrition. This vibrant vegan red pepper pasta is packed with vitamins from the peppers and protein from the cashews, making it a satisfying and guilt-free meal.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Recipes
Cuisine Dinner
Servings 4 -6
Calories 312 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz pasta of your choice
  • 1 cup soaked cashews
  • ½ cup roasted red bell pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 cups water
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 tbsp vegan butter
  • 2 tbsp cornflour
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Place the pasta into a pot and cook it per the packet instructions while you prepare the sauce.
    16 oz pasta of your choice
  • Add the soaked cashews, roasted red bell peppers, garlic, water, salt, and nutritional yeast to a blender. Blend until smooth & creamy.
    1 cup soaked cashews, ½ cup roasted red bell pepper, 3 cloves garlic, 2 cups water, Pinch of salt, ¼ cup nutritional yeast
  • Heat a pot over low-medium heat, and add the vegan butter. Once it’s melted, add the cornflour and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until it has darkened a little.
    2 tbsp vegan butter, 2 tbsp cornflour
  • Slowly add your blended cream mixture to the butter & flour, whisking as you go.
  • Add the black pepper and continue to whisk as the cream comes to a simmer. Cook for around 3-5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened, then remove from the heat.
    ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Serve with your cooked pasta.

Notes

  • Cashew Cream Magic: Soaking the cashews for at least 30 minutes ensures a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce. If you’re short on time, you can try boiling them for 10 minutes instead.
  • Roasted Red Pepper Power: Roasting your red peppers intensifies their sweetness and adds a touch of smokiness. For an extra flavor boost, char the peppers directly over a gas stovetop flame or under the broiler before blending.
  • Dietary Swaps: Make it gluten-free! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta for this recipe.
  • Thicken it Up: If your sauce seems too thin after simmering, you can add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water to create a thicker consistency.
  • Leftovers Love: This recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
  • Get Creative! This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add your favorite chopped veggies like zucchini, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients. For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chickpeas or lentils to the sauce.
  • Spice it Up!: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to your sauce while it simmers.
  • Freshness Matters: Finish your pasta with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or chives for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 312kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 11gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 176mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2g
Keyword red pepper pasta, vegan pasta, vegan red pepper pasta
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