Indulging in a rich and creamy pasta dish can be a comforting experience, and this one delivers that satisfaction without any dairy. Vegan creamy spinach garlic pasta with cashews and parsley takes about 1 hour to make, including roasting the garlic, and is a reliable recipe for those craving creamy textures without compromising on their plant-based diet.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their meatless meals, whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. If you have leftover sauce, it stores beautifully in the fridge for a few days, making it a great make-ahead option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The roasted garlic adds a deep, rich flavor to the sauce.
- Cashews create a silky, smooth creaminess that’s satisfying.
- It’s a quick one-pot meal that whips up in about an hour.
- Fresh spinach and parsley provide a burst of vibrant color and nutrients.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to make this enticing 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)
Soak cashews for better blending.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Use any nut or seed butter instead of cashews.
- Swap spinach with kale for a different flavor.
- Nutritional yeast can be replaced with vegan cheese.
- Lemon juice may be omitted for a milder taste.
How to Make It
Let’s get cooking!
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the garlic.
Roast garlic
Add the garlic bulb to a baking dish and roast for 40 minutes or until soft and caramelized. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Blend sauce
Once garlic is done roasting, remove it from the bulb and add it to a blender with the cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, spinach, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Combine and serve
Toss the creamy sauce with your cooked pasta until well coated. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Store It
Fridge: up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, the sauce may separate.
Reheat: microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Tips for Best Results
- For a more intense garlic flavor, roast an extra bulb.
- Blend the sauce longer for an ultra-smooth consistency.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving for best flavor.
- Use fresh herbs right before serving for a brighter taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside garlic bread for a comforting dinner.
- Great for meal prepping healthy lunches throughout the week.
