CREAMY TOMATO BASIL PASTA WITH AROMATIC HERBS

CREAMY TOMATO BASIL PASTA WITH AROMATIC HERBS

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta With Aromatic Herbs is the perfect plant-based twist on a beloved Italian classic. This single-serve recipe features tender pasta enveloped in a rich and velvety sauce made from fresh tomatoes and a creamy cashew blend, with a drizzle of olive oil for a hint of richness. The freshness of basil ties it all together, making each bite fragrant, comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re short on time or simply craving a wholesome and fuss-free meal, this recipe delivers bold flavour with minimal ingredients. It’s suitable for anyone following a vegan or dairy-free diet, yet it holds its own in texture and taste. Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta With Aromatic Herbs is ideal for weekday dinners or a quick lunch. This pasta dish also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.

RECIPE CATEGORY

Dinner

SERVING SIZE

1

CUISINE

Italian

PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES

Sauté, Simmer

OCCASION/HOLIDAY

Valentine’s Day, Fall,  Spring, Casual Dinner

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS

Vegan, Vegetarian, Healthy, Low Cholesterol, Low Sodium, Quick & Easy, Organic

DISH TYPE

Pasta

INGREDIENTS

• 140 grams | 4.94 ounces | 1 cup cooked pasta
• 80 grams | 2.82 ounces | ½ cup chopped tomatoes
• 15 grams | 0.53 ounces | 1 tablespoon cashew cream
• 5 millilitres | 0.17 fluid ounces | 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 gram | 0.04 ounces | fresh basil

FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

• Calories: 288 kilocalories
• Total Fat: 8.3 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1.3 grams
• Carbohydrates: 42.3 grams
• Fibre: 3.7 grams
• Sugar: 5.8 grams
• Protein: 9.6 grams
• Sodium: 376 milligrams
• Calcium: 47 milligrams
• Iron: 1.8 milligrams
• Potassium: 453 milligrams

PREPARATION

There are the following ingredients for Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta With Aromatic Herbs:

• Prepare The Sauce Base: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Sauté Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and lightly broken down.
• Stir In Cashew Cream: Lower the heat and mix in the cashew cream, stirring continuously to combine and thicken slightly.
• Add Cooked Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss until coated in the creamy tomato mixture.
• Simmer Briefly: Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow flavours to blend.
• Finish With Basil: Turn off the heat, stir in fresh basil and serve immediately. Garnish with more basil if desired.

PREPARATION TIME

5 minutes

COOKING TIME

10 minutes

TIPS

Here are some helpful tips for Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta With Aromatic Herbs:

• Pasta Selection: Use short pasta like penne, fusilli or macaroni to hold the sauce better.
• Cashew Cream Substitute: If short on time, blend soaked cashews with a splash of water, garlic and lemon for a quick homemade cream.
• Tomato Texture: Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter touch or canned tomatoes for convenience.
• Boost Flavour: Add a pinch of garlic powder, nutritional yeast or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

VARIATIONS

• Add Protein: Toss in cooked lentils, white beans or crumbled tofu for a more filling version.
• Make It Spicy: Include chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce.
• Veggie-Packed: Add spinach, mushrooms or courgettes to bulk up the meal and boost nutrients.
• Nut-Free Option: Use coconut cream or silken tofu as a dairy-free alternative to cashew cream.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap in gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs without compromising texture.

PREPPING AND STORAGE

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Preparation Tip: Prepare cashew cream in batches and refrigerate or freeze for quicker weeknight cooking.