Easy Creamy Cilantro Penne Vegan
Creamy, zesty, and entirely plant-based, this Easy Creamy Cilantro Penne Vegan recipe is a dinner game-changer! Featuring perfectly al dente penne pasta, a silky sauce made from soaked cashews and unsweetened coconut milk, and the vibrant flavors of fresh cilantro and tangy lime juice, this dish is both indulgent and wholesome. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy depth without any dairy, while a hint of optional red pepper flakes lends a subtle kick for those who love heat. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pot vegan pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough to impress dinner guests. Serve with a garnish of fresh cilantro or lime wedges for an irresistible, creamy, herbaceous finish that's sure to delight every palate. Perfect for fans of quick vegan meals and creamy pasta dishes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2-4 hours)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup water (or vegetable broth)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
In a blender, combine soaked and drained cashews, coconut milk, cilantro leaves, nutritional yeast, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and water (or vegetable broth). Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Reduce the heat to low and pour the prepared cilantro-cashew sauce into the skillet. Stir well and allow it to warm through, about 2-3 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using for a bit of heat.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in small amounts of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2448 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 104.8 g | 134% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.0 g | 95% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2488 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 314.8 g | 114% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.2 g | 83% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.7 g | ||
| Protein | 78.9 g | 158% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 639 mg | 49% | |
| Iron | 27.7 mg | 154% | |
| Potassium | 2536 mg | 54% | |
*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.
