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This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with flavor. Combining the richness of sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and dill with creamy cashew milk, this vegan pasta is both satisfying and healthy. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick dinner and can be served with your choice of protein or enjoyed on its own.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp vegan butter (optional)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
6 cloves roasted garlic (or 4-6 raw cloves, minced)
¼ cup white wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp dried parsley
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained, rinsed, and chopped)
1 tbsp capers
1 heaping tablespoon fresh dill
½ cup cashew milk
300g brown rice spaghetti
Pecorino cheese or vegan parmesan for serving (optional)

Directions

Make the sauce: Heat the avocado oil and vegan butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until translucent. Lower the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute (if using roasted garlic, just smash it and add it immediately).
Add liquids and spices: Pour in the white wine and cook until most of the liquid evaporates. Add the tomato paste, dried parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and dill. Stir well.
Finish the sauce: Stir in the cashew milk and mix until everything is well combined. Remove from heat until the pasta is cooked.
Cook the pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining and rinsing the pasta.
Combine: Warm up the sauce and add the cooked pasta. Gently toss to coat the pasta with the sauce. Add the reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
Serve: Serve immediately, topped with pecorino cheese or vegan parmesan, if desired.

Nutrients (Estimated per serving)

Calories: 400 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 600mg
Potassium: 500mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 100 IU
Vitamin C: 5mg
Calcium: 80mg
Iron: 2mg

Why Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Is So Popular

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a favorite dish for many reasons. First, the combination of sun-dried tomatoes and capers creates a delightful balance of umami, tang, and saltiness. These ingredients infuse the pasta with deep, rich flavors that are hard to resist. The addition of fresh dill gives the sauce a refreshing herbal note, complementing the richness of the sun-dried tomatoes and cashew milk.

Second, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. If you want to add extra vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, you can toss them into the sauce for additional texture and flavor. Additionally, the dish is naturally vegan, so it’s a great option for those following plant-based diets. However, it can be customized by adding a sprinkle of pecorino cheese or vegan parmesan for those who prefer a cheesy finish.

Lastly, the fact that it comes together so quickly makes it ideal for busy evenings or when you want to prepare a meal that’s both comforting and nourishing without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The creamy texture of the sauce, combined with the rich flavors of the sun-dried tomatoes, creates a satisfying dish that feels indulgent without being heavy.

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide

Making Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a straightforward process that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

Make the Sauce: Begin by heating avocado oil and vegan butter (optional) in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic (either roasted or raw). If using roasted garlic, simply smash it and add it to the pan.
Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the white wine and cook until most of the liquid evaporates, which will concentrate the flavors. Next, add the tomato paste, dried parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and fresh dill. Stir the ingredients well to combine and allow the flavors to meld.
Finish the Sauce: Stir in the cashew milk, mixing until everything is well incorporated. Let the sauce simmer gently, allowing the ingredients to infuse the sauce with their flavor. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat while you cook the pasta.
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Brown rice spaghetti is a great choice for a gluten-free option, but any pasta you prefer will work well. Before draining the pasta, reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water—this will help thin out the sauce later, ensuring it coats the pasta perfectly.
Combine and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the sauce, gently tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy mixture. If the sauce needs to be thinned out, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Serve immediately, topped with pecorino cheese or vegan parmesan if desired.

Customizing Your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

The beauty of this dish is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ways to make this pasta your own:

Add Protein: If you’d like to make the dish more filling, you can add your choice of protein. Grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas are great additions that pair well with the creamy sauce.
Add Vegetables: You can enhance the nutritional value by adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. These vegetables blend perfectly with the creamy sauce and provide additional flavors and textures.
Use Different Pasta: While brown rice spaghetti is a great gluten-free option, you can use any type of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or fettuccine. Whole wheat pasta would also be a great choice for extra fiber.

Nutritional Benefits of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The pasta itself provides a good amount of carbohydrates for energy, and the cashew milk creates a creamy base without the need for dairy. The sun-dried tomatoes are a great source of antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which supports heart health. Additionally, capers offer anti-inflammatory properties and a tangy flavor, while dill adds a refreshing herbaceous note.

This dish is also a good source of fiber, thanks to the pasta and sun-dried tomatoes, which supports digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer. The recipe provides around 8 grams of protein per serving, making it a balanced option for a vegan meal. By adding extra vegetables or protein, you can further increase the nutritional content and tailor the dish to your dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside a few sides to make it even more satisfying:

Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a perfect contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread or toasted baguette is always a welcome addition to pasta dishes. The crispy bread can help soak up any leftover sauce.
Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts complement the creamy pasta and add a smoky, savory touch.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

In conclusion, Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the richness of sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and fresh herbs, all combined in a creamy cashew milk sauce. It’s a versatile and customizable dish that can be made to suit a variety of tastes, and it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with added protein and vegetables, this pasta is sure to become a go-to meal in your kitchen. With its satisfying flavors and creamy texture, it’s a dish that everyone can enjoy—whether they’re vegan or not!

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