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Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Silky tomato sauce made creamy with blended cashews, tossed with pasta and fresh basil. A dairy-free favorite on busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta penne or rigatoni
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews soaked in hot water 15 minutes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes optional
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan, add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and salt and simmer 10 minutes.
  3. Drain the cashews and blend with the water until completely smooth.
  4. Stir the cashew cream into the tomato sauce, add the pasta, and toss, adding pasta water as needed.
  5. Top with fresh basil and serve.

Notes

Nut-free option: blend 1/2 cup cooked white beans instead of cashews.