Creamy Tomata Pasta

Gluten-free option, Soy-free option 

This recipe is extra rich and creamy, thanks to the addition of cashews. Blending them with sautéed onion and garlic, vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes and spices creates a next-level tomato sauce. Top this dish with Crispy Seitan and serve with Dinner Rolls.

Creamy tomato pasta, a marriage of velvety richness and vibrant tomato flavors, is a dish that never fails to evoke feelings of comfort and satisfaction. This recipe masterfully combines simple ingredients to create a luscious and indulgent dish that’s sure to become a staple on your dining table.

At its core, creamy tomato pasta offers a harmonious blend of two seemingly contrasting elements: the smoothness of a creamy sauce and the bright tanginess of ripe tomatoes. The result is a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate with every bite.

The journey begins with a humble base of pasta, chosen to suit your preferences, including gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. This pasta is cooked to perfection, preserving its al dente texture, before being tossed with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.

The star of the show is the luxurious creamy sauce, crafted with care and precision. Fragrant onions and garlic are gently sautéed to create a foundation of flavor. Then, the scene-stealer arrives: raw cashews, soaked to tenderness and blended into a smooth, nutty creaminess. Crushed tomatoes join the mix, infusing the sauce with their lively zest.

A medley of spices, including garlic and onion powder, dried basil, oregano, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, elevates the sauce’s complexity. As the sauce simmers, the flavors meld together, creating a symphony that’s both comforting and invigorating.

The pasta is then bathed in this sumptuous sauce, each strand coated in a blanket of creamy tomato goodness. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water adds the perfect silkiness, allowing every bite to be savored without heaviness.

The final touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper harmonizes the flavors, offering a balanced seasoning that brings the dish to perfection.

Creamy tomato pasta’s versatility is a key part of its charm. Whether served on its own or adorned with optional toppings like Crispy Seitan for a satisfying crunch or vegan Parmesan for a savory kick, this dish adapts to your desires.

As you savor each bite of creamy tomato pasta, you’ll experience a journey through comfort and culinary creativity. The dish’s ability to bring together the familiar and the exciting makes it a true masterpiece in the world of comforting cuisine. It’s a testament to how simplicity, when done right, can create a dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.

PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus inactive time to soak cashews

COOK TIME: 15 minutes, plus time to boil pasta

YIELD: 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (16-oz [453-g]) package pasta of choice (gluten-free if needed)
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil, divided
• ½ medium-sized onion, chopped (about ½ cup [80 g])
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced, or 1 tbsp (9 g) jarred minced garlic
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (146 g) raw unsalted whole cashews, soaked and drained
• 1 (28-oz [793-g]) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp (5 g) dried basil
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1½ tsp (9 g) salt, plus more to taste
• ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

FOR SERVING (OPTIONAL) 

• Crispy Seitan, sliced (omit for gluten-free) (soy-free if needed)
• Vegan Parmesan Cheese or store-bought (soy-free if needed)
• Dried or chopped fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water, then drain and rinse the pasta in cold water. Toss the pasta with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place it back in the pot.
2. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to a high-speed blender. Add the vegetable broth, soaked and drained cashews, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed.
5. Pour the blended tomato mixture back into the original skillet and cook over medium-low heat. Whisk the mixture often as it thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. If the pasta sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.
7. Stir in the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
8. Serve the creamy tomato pasta topped with sliced Crispy Seitan, vegan Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of dried or chopped fresh parsley if desired.