This Creamy Cashew Spinach Pasta comes together quickly requiring only a handful of ingredients. Simple, delicious, and picky eater approved!
When you're short on time, but want something healthy and delicious for dinner, this Creamy Cashew Spinach is the perfect dish. This pasta is so simple, can be ready in less 30 minutes and most importantly kids love it. Perfect for those days when you need something quick and nutritious.
Ingredients
The spinach is undetectable aside from the color and the cashews add a lovely creaminess that my kids compared to their most favorite mac n' cheese. Everyone gobbled up every bite and requested a second helping.
You'll need a batch of my Vegan Herbed Cashew Parmesan for this sauce, but that's a cinch to whip up and really adds a lot of great flavor. Get all details here.
- pasta of choice I used Campanelle.
- raw cashews
- fresh spinach
- garlic cloves
- salt
- pepper
- Herbed Vegan Cashew Parmesan
- reserved pasta water
- fresh squeezed lemon juice
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Like a lot sauces made from cashews, this one requires the nuts to be soaked prior to blending the sauce. This is to ensure the cashews are soft enough to blend, but if you forget to soak them I do have a quick soak method for you. Put the cashews in a saucepan, fill with enough water to completely cover and boil for about 15 minutes. Cook the pasta while the cashews soften and this meal comes together under 30 minutes.
Tip: Since cashews are a good source of healthy fats, I didn't want to add anymore fat to the sauce so I sautéed the spinach and garlic without oil. To do this, simple add a little water to the pan in place of the oil and cook as you would normally.
Substitutions & Variations
- Nut free - you can use sunflower seeds instead of cashews to make this pasta nut free
- Gluten free - use a gluten free pasta if desired
- Spinach - instead of spinach you can use any green you like such as arugula, kale, etc.
As for the pasta, use what you like. We choose campanelle since it resembles a flower. Perfect for spring don't ya think?!
Equipment
For the best result, you will need a high speed blender to make the sauce. An immersion blender may work as well.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I haven't tried freezing this pasta.
If you try this Creamy Cashew Spinach Pasta, let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below or snap a pic and tag it @weelittlevegans on Instagram so I’ll be sure to see it!
Recipe
Creamy Cashew Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 oz pasta of choice I used Campanelle.
- ½ cup raw cashews, soaked for 2-4 hours See below for quick soak method.
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoon Herbed Vegan Cashew Parmesan link below
- ½ - 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions reserving 1 cup of cooking water.
- Sauté spinach and garlic using 1 -2 tablespoon of water as needed until spinach has wilted and garlic is fragrant. Add salt and pepper.
- In a high speed blender combine drained cashews, spinach, ½ cup reserved pasta water, and herbed vegan parmesan. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add additional pasta water to thin to desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Pour sauce over pasta and toss to evenly coat.
- Sprinkle additional vegan parmesan and squeeze more lemon juice over pasta, if desired and serve.
Siouxsie says
Such a fantastic recipe! It was so easy to make & I really loved that the ingredients are things that I always have in my pantry.
Melissa says
Thanks Siouxsie! I'm so glad you liked the recipe. Simple recipes with easy ingredients are the best!
foreverfightingsleep says
Fantastic recipe!! So simple!! Definitely going to be one of my midweek go-to dinners 🙂
Melissa says
Thank you! I'm so happy you enjoy the recipe!!
Sebastian says
I was looking for a good spinach pasta sauce. My teenage boys didn't like it at all, for the adults it was average at best. Blended spinach is just not our taste.
Iris says
Super tasty! Both of my boys loved it and I did too. Made with simple ingredients fast and easy. I will definitely be making it often.
Melissa says
Yay! So happy you like it!
judyth smith says
Melissa, i loved this recipe! I forgot to take a picture to show but, will next time! super yummy! thank you so much, I've been trying to go totally vegan but, slip back many times since im married to a steak & potatoes man! I thank you for these great recipes! We do eat gluten free, too.
Melissa says
I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe Judyth! Thank you for leaving a rating and feedback!