Creamy Vegan Pasta Recipe: A Dairy-Free Comfort Food Classic

Discover how to make the best creamy vegan pasta recipe with cashews, plant-based milk, and simple ingredients. A healthy, dairy-free, and delicious pasta dish ready in under 30 minutes!

Who says you need heavy cream, cheese, or butter to enjoy a rich and creamy pasta? This creamy vegan pasta recipe proves that dairy-free comfort food can be just as satisfying—if not more! Perfect for busy weeknights, plant-based meal preps, or when you’re craving something indulgent yet healthy, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply trying to eat more plant-based meals, this pasta will become your new favorite. With its silky-smooth cashew cream sauce, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and the perfect balance of garlic and lemon, it’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Vegan Pasta

✔ 100% dairy-free and vegan-friendly
✔ Ready in 25–30 minutes
✔ Uses simple, wholesome ingredients
✔ Customizable with veggies or proteins
✔ Tastes indulgent but is actually healthy

Ingredients for Creamy Vegan Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pasta:

• 200 g (7 oz) pasta of choice – spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work great
• 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – adds depth and flavor
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – optional, but enhances creaminess
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (soy, oat, or almond)
• ½ cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, then drained)
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast – gives a cheesy, umami flavor
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – brightens the sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cashew Cream Sauce

In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In a skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and onion, then sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.

4. Bring It All Together

Pour the cashew cream sauce into the pan with the aromatics. Stir well and simmer for 3–4 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

5. Toss the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until each strand is coated in the luscious vegan cream sauce.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta, sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil, and finish with cracked black pepper.

Variations & Add-Ons

One of the best things about this creamy vegan pasta recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or zucchini.
• Protein Power: Toss in roasted chickpeas, vegan sausage, or marinated tofu.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Nut-Free Version: Swap cashews for sunflower seeds or silken tofu.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy vegan pasta pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or sourdough toast
• A fresh side salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of plant milk to loosen the sauce.
• This recipe is freezer-friendly if stored before mixing the pasta and sauce together.

FAQs About Creamy Vegan Pasta

Q1: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta like brown rice, quinoa, or lentil pasta.

Q2: Do I need to soak the cashews?
Yes, soaking cashews in hot water for 15 minutes (or overnight in cold water) helps achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

Q3: What plant-based milk works best?
Soy and oat milk give the creamiest results, but almond milk also works well. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.

Q4: Can I make it oil-free?
Absolutely. You can skip the olive oil and dry-sauté the onion and garlic with a splash of water or broth.

Verdict

This creamy vegan pasta recipe is proof that plant-based comfort food can be rich, flavorful, and satisfying without dairy. With its smooth cashew cream sauce, garlicky aroma, and cheesy notes from nutritional yeast, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or already a pro, this pasta is a must-try for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal.