- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes
- Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to burst and release their juices.
3. Blend the Cheesy Sauce
- Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender.
- Add plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and turmeric.
- Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Combine Everything
- Pour the cheesy sauce into the skillet with the tomatoes and mix well.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the sauce thicken.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve warm.
- Optional: Add vegan Parmesan or toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
✅ Serve with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
✅ Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
✅ Add grilled tofu or chickpeas for extra protein.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan with a splash of plant milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: The sauce can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months.
Variants & Add-Ins
🔥 Spicy Version: Add extra chili flakes or smoked paprika.
🥦 Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, roasted zucchini, or mushrooms.
🧄 Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for an extra kick!
🌿 Herb Infusion: Add thyme, oregano, or rosemary for a deeper flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this nut-free?
Yes! Use sunflower seeds or silken tofu instead of cashews.
Q: Can I use store-bought vegan cheese instead?
Absolutely! Stir in vegan shredded cheese for extra creaminess.
Q: Can I make this oil-free?
Yes! Sauté the tomatoes with vegetable broth instead of oil.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Vegan Penne with Cherry Tomatoes is creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s a quick, easy, and wholesome plant-based dish that will impress even non-vegans.
🍝✨ Try it today and let me know how you love it! 🌿🔥
