Penne with Velvety Cashew Spinach Pesto

Welcome to a culinary journey that promises both health and flavor: Penne with Creamy Cashew and Spinach Pesto Sauce. This remarkable dish is not just a meal; it’s a testament to how effortlessly delicious, nutritious, and accommodating plant-based cuisine can be. Whether you’re seeking a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution or an elegant dish to impress your guests, this recipe rises to the occasion. Boasting a rich, dairy-free creaminess and vibrant, fresh flavors, it’s a delightful option for anyone, especially those following plant-based, dairy-free, or gluten-free diets. And here’s an exciting secret we’re eager to share: a brilliant tip to make your pesto entirely oil-free without compromising on taste or texture. Prepare to transform your pasta nights!

Discover the Magic of Penne with Creamy Cashew and Spinach Pesto Sauce

This recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. At its heart lies a silky-smooth cashew cream and a bright, verdant spinach pesto, both crafted to perfection. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. From perfectly preparing the cashews for their creamy transformation to expertly blending the vibrant pesto, every detail is covered.

Crafting the Perfect Cashew Cream Foundation

The secret to the unparalleled creaminess in this dish lies in the humble cashew. When properly soaked and blended, cashews create a rich, luxurious cream that mimics dairy-based sauces beautifully, making this recipe a fantastic choice for those avoiding dairy or adhering to a plant-based lifestyle. This creamy base is what gives our pesto sauce its velvety texture and makes it truly irresistible.

• Choosing Your Cashews: Begin with either raw or roasted cashews. While raw cashews offer a neutral base, roasted cashews impart a delightful nutty depth that enhances the overall flavor profile. If opting for salted roasted cashews, you might need to adjust the salt content in the final dish.
• The Art of Soaking: Soaking the cashews is a crucial step that softens them, allowing them to blend into an incredibly smooth cream. There are three convenient methods to achieve this:
  • Quick Soak: For those moments when time is of the essence, a rapid soak in boiling water for 30 to 45 minutes will get the job done efficiently.
  • Warm Water Soak: A slightly longer soak, starting with hot tap water for approximately 2 hours, offers a good balance between speed and thoroughness.
  • Overnight Soak: For the absolute creamiest results and minimal effort on the day of cooking, an overnight soak at room temperature is ideal. Simply let them rest in water while you sleep.

Once your cashews are perfectly plump and softened, the blending process begins.

• Preparing the Cashew Cream: After soaking, reserve a small amount of the soaking water – about half a cup – before draining the cashews. Transfer the drained cashews to a mini food processor or a high-speed blender. Add a tablespoon or two of the reserved soaking water to start. Process the cashews, gradually adding small amounts of additional soaking water as needed, until you achieve a thick, smooth, and creamy consistency. The goal is a velvety texture that will beautifully coat the pasta.
• Embrace a Little Texture: Don’t fret if your cashew cream isn’t absolutely 100% perfectly smooth. A slight bit of texture from the cashews adds a pleasant dimension to the finished pesto sauce and is perfectly acceptable. It reminds you of the natural goodness packed within.

The Vibrant Spinach Pesto: Our Oil-Free Secret

Next, we turn our attention to the vibrant, fresh pesto. Traditional pesto often relies heavily on olive oil for its texture and flavor. However, we’re going to reveal a clever trick to create an equally delicious and much lighter version – completely oil-free! This makes the dish even healthier and more accessible without sacrificing any of that beloved pesto flavor.

• Assembling Pesto Ingredients: Gather your pesto components and combine them in your food processor or blender. This includes fresh baby spinach for its earthy notes and beautiful green hue, additional cashews for body, pungent garlic for a kick, a splash of lemon juice for brightness, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle warmth.
• The Oil-Free Innovation: Here’s where our special tip comes in. To craft this pesto—or any pesto, for that matter—without oil, simply substitute vegetable broth. This ingenious swap adds a fantastic layer of flavor while dramatically reducing the fat and calorie content that oils typically contribute. It allows the fresh taste of spinach and garlic to shine through even more.

Once the pesto ingredients are blended to a paste, it’s time to unite the two main components of our sauce.

• Combining for Creaminess: Gently stir the prepared cashew cream into the vibrant spinach pesto. This step is where the magic truly happens, as the two textures meld into a rich, luscious, and utterly satisfying sauce that is both dairy-free and incredibly flavorful. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the lemon juice if you desire more tang.

Cooking the Penne and Final Assembly

With our exquisite sauce ready, the only remaining task is to prepare the pasta and bring the dish to its delicious conclusion. Penne pasta, with its tube-like shape and ridged surface, is an excellent choice as it expertly captures and holds onto every bit of that creamy, flavorful pesto. For a gluten-free meal, ensure you select a high-quality gluten-free penne.

• Pasta Preparation: Cook your chosen penne pasta according to the package directions. It’s important to cook it al dente – tender with a slight bite – to ensure it holds up well with the sauce and provides a satisfying texture. Remember to boil a generous amount of water and add salt if desired to season the pasta from within.

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, the grand finale awaits!

• Combining Pasta and Sauce: Return the hot, drained penne pasta to its cooking pot. Immediately add the Creamy Cashew and Spinach Pesto Sauce and stir gently but thoroughly. The heat from the pasta will help the sauce adhere beautifully, ensuring every piece is coated in creamy, flavorful goodness.
• Garnish and Serve: For an added touch of elegance and crunch, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped cashews. Serve immediately while warm, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is not just easy and delicious, but it’s also incredibly good for you, packed with plant-based nutrients!

Why This Creamy Cashew Pesto Penne is a Must-Try

This Penne with Creamy Cashew and Spinach Pesto Sauce isn’t just a recipe; it’s a versatile and satisfying meal that caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and busy schedules. Its plant-based nature makes it an excellent source of nutrients, while being dairy-free and gluten-free opens it up to many who often miss out on creamy pasta dishes. The inclusion of the oil-free pesto tip further elevates its health credentials, proving that wholesome eating can be incredibly indulgent. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your repertoire, this recipe is designed for success. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly nutritious dish that will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen.

More Great Pasta Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed this delightful pasta creation, we invite you to explore more of our inventive and delicious pasta recipes. Expand your culinary horizons with these fantastic options:

• Baked Orzo with Pesto and Peas
• Lasagna with Pesto Green Beans and Potatoes
• Southwestern Chicken Orzo and Black Bean Skillet
• Hatch Green Chile Mac and Cheese

Penne with Creamy Cashew and Spinach Pesto Sauce

By
Carol | From A Chef’s Kitchen

Penne with Creamy Cashew and Spinach Pesto sauce is an easy, delicious, nutritious plant-based meal that’s perfect for a weeknight yet elegant enough for guests! Plus a great tip to make pesto oil-free!

Prep Time:

45 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Additional Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

1 hr
10 mins

Servings:
6

Ingredients

• 2 cups cashews, raw or roasted, divided
• Water, for soaking cashews
• 1 container (5-ounce) baby spinach
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound penne pasta

Instructions

1. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add 1 cup cashews, turn the heat off and let stand for 30-45 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the soaking water, then drain cashews.
2. Place soaked cashews in a blender or mini food processor. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved soaking water. Puree the cashews until very smooth, adding small amounts of water as necessary until you have a creamy consistency.
3. Transfer cashew cream to a bowl and set aside.
4. Place the remaining 1/2 cup cashews, baby spinach, vegetable broth, minced garlic, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes in the blender or food processor. Process until a smooth pesto paste consistency is achieved.
5. Add the prepared cashew cream to the pesto mixture and process again briefly until thoroughly combined and smooth. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
6. Coarsely chop the last 1/2 cup of cashews for garnish.
7. Meanwhile, bring 4 quarts of generously salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
8. Stir in the penne pasta. Reduce heat to medium-high to minimize foaming and cook for 11-13 minutes, or according to package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly. Return the hot pasta to the pot, add the creamy cashew and spinach pesto sauce, and stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
10. Serve immediately in individual bowls, garnished with the chopped cashews for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

Alternatively, you can soak cashews in hot tap water for 2 hours or in room temperature water overnight for optimal softness.

To make this pesto, or any pesto, entirely oil-free, substitute vegetable broth for the oil. Vegetable broth provides essential moisture and adds flavor without the extra fat and calories of oil.

Nutrition

Serving:
1


Calories:
241kcal


Carbohydrates:
14g


Protein:
8g


Fat:
19g


Saturated Fat:
3g


Polyunsaturated Fat:
3g


Monounsaturated Fat:
10g


Sodium:
124mg


Potassium:
286mg


Fiber:
1g


Sugar:
3g


Vitamin A:
103IU


Vitamin C:
1mg


Calcium:
16mg


Iron:
3mg

Nutritional values are automatically calculated using unbranded products and are estimates only. Actual results may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes. Adjust as needed for dietary restrictions, allergies, or health concerns.

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