Name: Vegan Pasta Primavera with Creamy Garlic Cashew Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice, including gluten free); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 medium red onion, sliced lengthwise; 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into matchsticks; 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin strips; 2 cups small broccoli florets; 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 medium zucchini, sliced and quartered or cut into thin strips; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¾ cup raw cashews; 2 cups warm water (for soaking cashews); ½ cup water (for blending sauce); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Red pepper flakes, optional; Extra salt and black pepper, if desired; Garlic crostini or garlic bread

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 25 reviews

If you are on the hunt for a vibrant, comforting, and nourishing meal, look no further than this delightful Vegan Pasta Primavera with Creamy Garlic Cashew Sauce Recipe. It’s a sensational medley of tender vegetables, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious, creamy sauce made from raw cashews infused with garlic and lemon. Every bite bursts with fresh flavors and satisfying textures, making it an ideal dish to impress your friends or cozy up on a weeknight. Plus, it’s packed with protein and healthy fats, proving that plant-based meals can be indulgent and wholesome at the same time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white cutting board is placed on a white marbled surface, filled with six groups of fresh vegetables and a small bowl of sauce. At the top left, there are green broccoli florets, next to bright orange carrot sticks in the middle left. To the right of the carrots, there are red bell pepper strips, and below them, a pile of sliced purple onions. At the bottom right are scattered pieces of chopped green zucchini with white flesh. A small white bowl of creamy light beige sauce with a spoon inside sits near the carrots. At the bottom left corner, a cluster of red cherry tomatoes on the vine rests near a striped cloth, while a knife with a light wooden handle lies next to the zucchini on the cutting board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this recipe lies in its simple yet superbly complementary ingredients. Each component has a purpose — from the sweetness of cherry tomatoes to the creaminess of the cashew sauce — creating an irresistible balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish truly special.

12 ounces penne pasta: Choose your favorite pasta, even gluten-free versions work wonderfully here, providing a tender and satisfying base.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables as they sauté.
1/2 medium red onion: Sliced lengthwise, offering a mild, sweet onion flavor and lovely color contrast.
1 large carrot: Peeled and cut into matchsticks to bring crunch and natural sweetness.
1 medium red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for vibrant color and a subtle fruity bite.
2 cups small broccoli florets: Packed with nutrients and a great texture contrast.
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes: Halved and bursting with juiciness to brighten the dish.
2 medium zucchini: Sliced and quartered or cut into thin strips to keep the veggies tender and light.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the veggies with warm, aromatic herbs.
¾ cup raw cashews: Soaked and blended to create that dreamy creamy garlic cashew sauce.
½ cup water: Helps blend the cashews into a smooth, velvety base.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the sauce.
2 cloves garlic: A garlic lover’s dream for bold flavor in the sauce.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle depth to the sauce.
Freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for a gentle peppery kick.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Great for those who like a bit of heat.
Garlic crostini or garlic bread: Perfect for serving alongside to soak up every last bit of sauce.

How to Make Vegan Pasta Primavera with Creamy Garlic Cashew Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cashews

The creamy garlic cashew sauce is the heart of this dish, so getting this step right is key. Start by soaking your raw cashews in warm water for at least two hours. If time is tight, no worries — you can speed things up by boiling them briefly and letting them sit in hot water for 30 minutes. This softens the cashews perfectly for blending into an ultra-smooth sauce.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Drain the soaked cashews and toss them into a blender with ½ cup of fresh water, fresh lemon juice, garlic cloves, salt, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend on high until velvety and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of water until it reaches your desired consistency. Set this luscious sauce aside while you prepare the rest.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the penne pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. This means your pasta will be tender but still have a bit of bite, perfect for tossing with the savory sauce and tender veggies.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add red onion, carrot matchsticks, red bell pepper strips, and broccoli florets. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the veggies soften while retaining their crunch. Then add zucchini and cook for another 2 minutes. Finally, stir in cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional minute just to warm everything through without losing the freshness of the tomatoes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Vegetables, and Sauce

Drain your pasta and add it directly to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the creamy garlic cashew sauce over everything and gently toss to coat every bite in that luscious creaminess. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as you like, then serve immediately.

How to Serve Vegan Pasta Primavera with Creamy Garlic Cashew Sauce Recipe

A white bowl holds a vibrant pasta salad with creamy sauce, set on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth nearby. The dish has one main layer of farfalle pasta, pale beige in color, mixed with fresh vegetable pieces: green broccoli florets, bright red cherry tomato halves, thin red bell pepper slices, cucumber slices with dark green edges, and thin rings of light purple onion. Small green herb leaves and red chili flakes are sprinkled on top, adding texture and color contrast. A silver spoon rests in the bowl on the left side, and a toasted golden-brown slice of bread leans on the right edge of the bowl. In the background, part of another bowl with the same pasta salad and a white plate with more toasted bread slices are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple yet flavorful with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley to lift the flavors. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a bright, finishing touch that turns this into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Side Dishes

Pair your vegan pasta primavera with crusty garlic bread or homemade garlic crostini for a delightful contrast in textures and an inviting way to mop up every bit of the creamy sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness of the dish with refreshing acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with extra cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper. You can also swirl in some fresh herbs or a few toasted pine nuts for crunch. If hosting, serve family-style in a large colorful serving platter to showcase the vibrant vegetables and creamy sauce for an irresistible centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Vegan Pasta Primavera with Creamy Garlic Cashew Sauce Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken in the fridge, but a quick stir with a splash of water or plant milk will bring back the perfect creamy texture.

Freezing

Because of the creamy cashew sauce, freezing is not the best option as it can alter the sauce’s smooth texture and cause separation. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Add a little water or plant-based milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, warm in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure the sauce heats evenly and stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is suggested, you can use any pasta shape you love or have on hand, including gluten-free varieties. Just cook according to package instructions for the best texture.

Do I have to soak the cashews for two hours?

Soaking helps create a smoother sauce but if you’re in a rush, hot water soaking for about 30 minutes works well too. Raw cashews that aren’t properly softened may result in a grainier sauce.

Is the sauce really creamy without dairy?

Yes! The soaked cashews blend into a luxuriously creamy sauce that mimics the richness of dairy without any animal products — it’s so satisfying and perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.

Can I make this dish nut-free?

Since the sauce depends on cashews for its creaminess, substituting is tricky. However, you could try making a creamy sauce from silken tofu or blended cauliflower, though the flavor will be slightly different.

What vegetables can I substitute or add?

Feel free to customize your primavera! Snap peas, asparagus, mushrooms, or baby spinach would be fantastic in this dish. Just add them according to their cooking times so everything stays tender-crisp and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried this Vegan Pasta Primavera with Creamy Garlic Cashew Sauce Recipe yet, you’re seriously missing out on a comforting, fresh, and utterly delicious plant-based meal. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for sharing with family or treating yourself to something truly satisfying. Give it a go and watch it become one of your favorite weeknight dinners!