Vegan Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta with Cashews and Parsley

Indulging in a bowl of creamy, rich pasta can be a soul-soothing experience, especially when it’s packed with wholesome ingredients. This Vegan Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta with Cashews and Parsley takes under an hour to prepare, and the creamy cashew sauce creates a delightful texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The roasted garlic adds a lovely depth of flavor that elevates this dish to a new level of deliciousness.

This recipe is perfect for vegans, busy weeknight dinners, or anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their rotation. It’s also a great make-ahead option; simply prepare the sauce in advance and toss it with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The roasted garlic provides a sweet, mellow flavor that enhances the sauce.
• Cashews create a luxuriously creamy texture without dairy.
• Quick to prepare, taking less than an hour from start to finish.
• Can be customized with any pasta, making it versatile for your pantry staples.

What You’ll Need

Gather the ingredients listed below to create this flavorful pasta dish.

For the Sauce

• 1 bulb garlic, top sliced off
• 1 ½ cups cashews, soaked for 6-24 hours or 1 hour in boiling water
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 bunch parsley
• Juice from ½ lemon
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

For the Pasta

• +3-4 servings cooked pasta of choice (any pasta works here)

Soaking cashews enhances creaminess.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use almond or sunflower seeds instead of cashews.
• Vegetable broth can be replaced with water for a lighter flavor.
• Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale.
• Parsley can be swapped for basil or cilantro.

How to Make It

Start creating this delicious dish with these simple steps.

Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. This step prepares for roasting the garlic, essential for the sauce’s flavor.

Roast the garlic

Add the garlic to a baking dish and roast for 40 minutes. The slow roasting will caramelize the garlic, making it sweet and soft.

Blend the sauce

Once garlic is done roasting, remove it from the bulb and add it to a blender with the rest of your sauce ingredients. Blend until smooth, creating a creamy base for your pasta.

Toss and serve

Toss sauce with the cooked pasta and serve. Enjoy your delicious meal while it’s warm!

How to Store It

Fridge: 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, the sauce may separate upon thawing.
Reheat: On the stovetop over low heat for 5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Soaking cashews for the full 24 hours ensures maximum creaminess.
• Don’t skip roasting the garlic for the best flavor.
• Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more broth if desired.
• Experiment with different spices for added depth.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
• Excellent alongside a glass of white wine for a sophisticated dinner.