Easy Vegan Pasta Sauce Recipe

Name: Vegan Pasta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2/3 cup raw cashews; 3 large tomatoes ((about 12 ounces), cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 large sweet potato ((about 8 ounces), cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 large red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 large yellow onion (cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces); 7 large garlic cloves (peeled); Generous drizzle of olive oil; Generous dash of paprika; Generous dash of onion powder; Generous dash of dried oregano; Salt to taste; 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans (or white beans, rinsed and drained (or 1 1/2 cups cooked)); 2 teaspoons sriracha (or hot sauce); 1 1/2 tablespoons nutritional yeast ((optional)); 3 cups vegetable broth (plus more to taste); Freshly ground black pepper ( to taste); Fresh lemon juice (to taste)

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients

Chopped onion, sweet potato, red bell pepper, tomatoes, penne pasta, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic bulb, and raw cashews in glass bowls on a white marble board.

Ingredients for making Easy Vegan Pasta Sauce.

Roasted sweet potato is a healthy way to add creaminess and a touch of sweetness to this pasta sauce. It's rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium.
Blended white beans add protein, iron, and fiber to this sweet potato tomato sauce. Plus, they give it a delicious creamy texture.
Nutritional yeast is high in vitamin B₁₂, and is a complete protein. It gives this dish a cheesy taste, similar to parmesan cheese.
Cashews make this vegan pasta sauce extra creamy. They are a good source of heart healthy fats, and a moderate source of protein.

See recipe card for quantities. (Spices not shown.)

🍠 Substitutions

Cashews - instead of cashews, add unsweetened canned coconut milk to the saucepan with the blended ingredients for a nut-free vegan pasta sauce

Pasta - use gluten-free pasta to make this gluten-free

Nutritional yeast - omit this ingredient as desired

For more easy vegan pasta dinner ideas, visit my Vegan Pasta Recipes page.

📖 Instructions

Raw cashews in a pyrex bowl with a black kettle pouring boiling water on them to cover.

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Place the cashews in a heat resistant bowl or cup and cover with boiling water. Set aside.

Chopped sweet potato, red bell pepper, onion, and whole garlic cloves tosses in olive oil and seasonings in a white baking dish.

Step 2. Transfer the tomatoes, sweet potato, bell pepper, onion, and garlic to a large rimmed nonstick baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, paprika, onion powder, oregano, and salt. Roast for about 25 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.

Roasted chopped sweet potato, red bell pepper, tomato, and onion, with nutritional yeast and vegetable broth inside the canister of a blender.

Step 3. Drain the cashews. Transfer them to a high-speed blender. Add the roasted veggies, white beans, sriracha, nutritional yeast, and vegetable broth. Blend until smooth.

Orange vegan pasta sauce in a large white skillet with whole wheat penne pasta.

Step 4. Transfer the sauce to a large skillet and cook over medium heat until warmed through. Add the desired amount of al dente pasta. Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice as desired.

Frozen vegan pasta with orange sauce in blue Souper Cube 2-cup trays being transferred to a white baking dish by Nisha Melvani.

Freeze in single serve Souper Cube (paid affiliate) trays for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a little hot veggie broth or water and mix until creamy.

💡 Expert Tips

Cut the veggies according to the recipe to minimize the cooking time. Larger veggies take longer to roast.

Soak the cashews for 20 minutes in boiling water if you do not own a high-speed blender. This makes them easier to blend.

High-speed blenders are a game changer when it comes to blending soups, sauces, and nuts. It is a worthwhile investment if you plan on eating more plant-based meals. Research different high-speed blenders based on reviews, and choose the best one you can afford.

Storage: Refrigerate easy Easy Vegan Pasta Sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can freeze the sauce on its own in a freezer-safe container, or mixed with al dente cooked pasta in single serve portions. Good for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in a microwave or oven (365ºF for about 15 minutes).

For reheating, add hot water or hot vegetable broth until the desired creaminess.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

Can I freeze Vegan Pasta Sauce?

Yes! Freeze the sauce on its own in a freezer safe container, or mixed with al dente cooked pasta in single serve portions, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in a microwave or oven (365ºF for about 15 minutes).

How can I make this vegan pasta sauce nut-free?

Omit the cashews and add the desired amount of unsweetened canned coconut milk to the saucepan with the blended ingredients.

What is nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. Sold as a yellow powder or flakes, it has a cheesy flavor, and is a popular ingredient in vegan cooking. Fortified nutritional yeast is an excellent source of vitamin B₁₂ and protein. Note: This is an optional ingredient.

📖 Recipe