Dairy-Free Basil Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this Dairy-Free Basil Pasta, a vibrant, plant-based twist on classic comfort food. Featuring a silky basil-cashew sauce enhanced with garlic, tangy lemon juice, and protein-packed nutritional yeast, this recipe delivers creamy indulgence without a drop of dairy. Fresh cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color, while optional pine nut garnish adds a delightful, nutty crunch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta dish accommodates dietary restrictions while bursting with flavor, making it perfect for vegans, dairy-free eaters, or anyone seeking a wholesome, delicious meal. Serve it up for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner that's both healthy and hearty!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Pasta of choice (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine)
- 1 cup Raw cashews
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Start by soaking the raw cashews in hot water for at least 15 minutes. This will soften them and make them easier to blend.
While the cashews are soaking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and resembles a creamy sauce. Adjust the texture by adding more water if necessary.
In a large pan over medium heat, add the prepared sauce and gently heat it, ensuring not to bring it to a boil. Stir occasionally.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes are slightly softened.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with pine nuts if desired for an added crunch, and enjoy your dairy-free basil pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1454 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 91.6 g | 117% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.3 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2402 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 125.6 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.0 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.7 g | ||
| Protein | 45.5 g | 91% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 160 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 14.2 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 1713 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
