Go Back
A large ceramic skillet filled with creamy tomato pasta, served with fresh basil and vegan cheese shot from above.

Creamy Tomato Pasta

Print Recipe
Delicious and convenient creamy pasta recipe that comes in a skillet in less than half an hour.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword 30 minutes or less, creamy tomato pasta, creamy vegan pasta, easy one pot recipe, easy vegan dinner, easy weeknight dinner, one pan recipe, one pot pasta dish, one pot vegan recipe, one pot wonders, vegan one pan recipe, vegan pasta dish, vegan pasta recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 506.5
Author Carleigh

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 shallot large, or ½ red onion - finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup cashews soaked in ¾ cup of hot water for 15 minutes
  • ¾ cup Water
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup basil leaves fresh, chopped

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. 
  • While it cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add the cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the tomatoes are blistered and beginning to break down, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  • Meanwhile, blend the soaked cashews with the 3/4 cup water and a pinch of salt until completely smooth and creamy. Pour the cashew cream into the skillet with the tomatoes and stir until the sauce is rich and velvety. 
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. Stir in the chopped basil just before serving. Finish with vegan parmesan, as desired. 

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, sub cashews for sunflower seeds or use store-bought unsweetened soy cream.
  • Use canned cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes in a pinch if you don't have any fresh ones.
  • To save yourself some time, make the cashew cream in advance. I like to make a big batch to use for salad dressings, sauces, and more!
  • Add extra protein with some chickpeas, or top your dish with crispy air fryer tofu cubes.
  • Use any pasta you have in your pantry! Swap for gluten-free if needed, use a different pasta shape, use whole wheat or chickpea pasta if that is your preference.

Nutrition

Calories: 506.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 77.3g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 15.6g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9.1g | Sodium: 86.6mg | Potassium: 675mg | Fiber: 4.9g | Sugar: 7.5g | Vitamin A: 835.9IU | Vitamin C: 29.8mg | Calcium: 64.2mg | Iron: 3.7mg