15-Minute Recipe for Creamy Pasta With Cashew Butter
We’ve all been there. It’s the middle of the week, you’re tired, you’re hungry, and you’re craving a comforting bowl of creamy pasta. But what if you’re avoiding dairy, or simply looking for a healthier option? The good news is you don’t have to give up on that delicious, velvety texture.
The secret ingredient? Cashew Butter.
That’s right. The same healthy spread you put on your morning toast can be transformed into a rich, savoury pasta sauce in minutes. This 15-minute recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering a restaurant-quality meal that is completely vegan, dairy-free, and packed with flavour.
Why Cashew Butter is a Kitchen Superstar
Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk about why this works so well. When blended with a little liquid, cashew butter becomes incredibly creamy. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour that provides the perfect base for a savoury sauce, much like heavy cream would, but with the added benefits of healthy fats and plant-based protein.
It’s the ultimate kitchen hack for healthy, fast, and delicious meals.
Creamy Cashew Pasta: Your New Favourite 15-Minute Meal
This recipe is designed for speed and simplicity. While your pasta boils, you’ll whip up the sauce in the same pot. It’s a one-pot wonder!
Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pasta: 200g of your favourite pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spirals work great).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, finely minced.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
- Cashew Butter: 3 heaping tablespoons of a pure, unsweetened cashew butter.
- Nutritional Yeast: 2 tablespoons (This is the secret to a “cheesy” flavour, available at most health food stores in Lahore).
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly cracked.
- Reserved Pasta Water: About 1 cup.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or basil, red chilli flakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Boil the Pasta: First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm).
- Save the Magic Water: Just before you drain the pasta, scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. This water is liquid gold—it’s what will make your sauce perfectly creamy and help it stick to the pasta.
- Start the Sauce: Drain the pasta and set it aside. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
- Create the Creamy Base: Turn the heat off for a moment. Add the cashew butter, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the pot. Whisk them together. It will form a thick paste.
- Bring it all Together: Now, slowly pour in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water while whisking continuously. The paste will transform into a smooth, creamy sauce right before your eyes. Add more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked pasta to the pot and stir everything together until each piece is coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, simply add another splash of pasta water. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a pinch of red chilli flakes if you like a little heat.
The Organio.pk Difference for the Creamiest Sauce
The key to this recipe’s success is using a high-quality, pure cashew butter. Many brands contain added sugars, salts, or oils, which can make your sauce taste strange and prevent it from becoming truly creamy.
For the most delicious and healthy result, you need a cashew butter that is nothing but cashews.
At Organio.pk, our Organic Cashew Butter is made with one simple ingredient: premium, organically sourced roasted cashews.
- 100% Pure & Organic: No additives, no preservatives, and no palm oil.
- Unsweetened: Our unsweetened version is perfect for savoury recipes like this, giving you full control over the flavour.
- Incredibly Creamy: We grind our cashews to the perfect consistency, ensuring your sauce will be velvety smooth every time.
Don’t compromise on flavour or your health. A great recipe starts with great ingredients.