Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta
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.
Equipment
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
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