If you’re looking for a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly healthy, this creamy cashew sauce pasta is just the thing. Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked spaghetti, all enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce that sings with flavor. This recipe is not only simple to make, but it also brings a delightful twist to your traditional pasta night.
The star of this dish is the cashew cream, which provides a luscious texture and a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with fresh garlic and vibrant herbs. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Dairy-free and packed with plant-based goodness, this creamy cashew sauce pasta is versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences. Add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition, or keep it simple for a minimalist meal that still feels decadent.
Delicious Spaghetti with Cashew Cream Sauce
This spaghetti with cashew cream sauce offers a delightful experience that effortlessly combines familiarity with innovation. The nutty essence of soaked cashews brings a unique twist to the otherwise traditional pasta dish, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.
The creamy texture of the sauce complements the al dente spaghetti perfectly, making every forkful a joy to savor. It’s a dish that embraces comfort while maintaining a lightness that keeps you coming back for more without the feeling of heaviness.
Ingredients That Elevate the Dish
The simplicity of the ingredients shines through in this recipe. With just a few key components, you can create a deeply flavorful sauce that transforms your pasta. Raw cashews, soaked to unlock their creamy potential, serve as the base.
In addition to the cashews, vegetable broth adds depth, while garlic introduces a fragrant aroma. Nutritional yeast contributes a cheesy flavor without the dairy, and a splash of lemon juice brightens the entire dish. Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley add a finishing touch that ties everything together.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing this dish is straightforward and can be accomplished in under 30 minutes. Start by cooking the spaghetti until it reaches that desirable al dente texture. While the pasta is cooking, blend your cashew cream sauce until smooth. This multitasking approach allows the dish to come together seamlessly.
Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, simply toss it with the creamy sauce for an even coating. For those looking to add a bit more nutrition, incorporating sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can enhance the dish further.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
Plating plays a crucial role in how we experience food. When serving your spaghetti with cashew cream sauce, twirl the pasta on a fork for a beautiful presentation. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added aroma.
The rustic wooden table setting adds warmth to the meal, making it feel inviting and homey. This dish is not only about taste but also about the visual appeal that enhances the overall dining experience.
Nutrition and Dietary Considerations
This dish caters to various dietary preferences, being dairy-free and packed with plant-based goodness. It contains a balanced mix of nutrients, making it a satisfying choice without compromising health.
With approximately 400 calories per serving, it strikes a good balance between flavor and nourishment. The healthy fats from cashews and the complex carbohydrates from spaghetti make this meal a wholesome option for both lunch and dinner.
Versatility and Customization
The beauty of this creamy cashew sauce pasta lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition or even incorporating protein sources like chickpeas for a heartier meal.
This dish can easily adapt to what you have on hand, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Enjoy the process of making it uniquely yours, whether through seasoning variations or ingredient swaps.
Delicious Spaghetti with Cashew Cream Sauce
This spaghetti with cashew cream sauce is a beautifully balanced dish that combines the nutty flavor of cashews with the comforting familiarity of al dente pasta. It’s rich and creamy, yet light enough to leave you feeling satisfied without the heaviness.
The taste is a harmonious blend of creamy, nutty, and savory notes, making each bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 2 hours
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Optional: sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cashew Cream: In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, vegetable broth, minced garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more vegetable broth if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the cashew cream sauce until evenly coated. If using, add any sautéed vegetables and mix well.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 400kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 52g