Vegan Butternut Cheese Sauce for Pasta
This Vegan Butternut Cheese Sauce for Pasta is a creamy, dairy-free sauce made with butternut squash, cashews, and nutritional yeast. Perfect for a plant-based, cheesy pasta dish that’s rich in flavor, packed with nutrients, and completely vegan-friendly!
Nutritional Benefits
Butternut Squash: High in vitamins A and C, supports immune health and eye function, while adding a creamy texture.
Onion: Rich in antioxidants, promotes heart health, and supports immunity with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Cashews: Packed with healthy fats and plant-based protein, offering a creamy texture and aiding in muscle repair.
Garlic: Boosts immunity, heart health, and contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor while providing B vitamins and protein, great for energy and cell health. (get some here)
Plant-Based Milk: Adds creaminess without dairy, keeping the recipe vegan and light.
Lemon Juice: High in vitamin C, aids digestion, and enhances flavor naturally.
Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and a smoky flavor, plus antioxidants that support heart health.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy Texture: The soaked raw cashews blend smoothly, creating a rich and creamy base that enhances the dish.
Cheesy Flavor: Nutritional yeast provides a delicious cheesy flavor without any dairy, perfect for plant-based diets.
Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins and minerals, butternut squash is a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
Versatile Base: This creamy mixture can be used in various dishes, from soups and sauces to pasta and grain bowls.
Flavorful Addition: The combination of garlic, lemon juice, and smoked paprika adds depth and complexity to the dish.
Customizable: Adjust the seasoning and add your favorite herbs or spices to personalize the flavor to your liking.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy and cheesy flavors make it appealing to kids, encouraging them to enjoy their veggies. (kid-friendly smoothie to go with this recipe)
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Vegan Butternut Cheese Sauce for Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 1 onion medium
- 1/2 cup raw cashews soaked for 2 hours or in hot water for 15 minutes
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor
- 1 cup water or unflavored other plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional but adds a nice depth
- 1 tsp salt more to taste
Instructions
- Cook the butternut squash. Here are 2 ways to do it:
- First option: In a medium pot, add a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a steamer basket in the pot and add the cubed butternut squash. Cover and steam until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Second option: Preheat oven to 400F. Toss the butternut in 1-2 tbsp of olive oil with litgh salt and pepper and spread on a baking sheet. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until pieces and tender and slightly caramilzed.
- Cook the pasta:
- While the squash is cooking, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once cokked to your liking, drain and set aside.
- Make the cashew cheese sauce:
- In a high-speed blender, combine the cooked butternut squash, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, minced garlic, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more almond milk if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Return the cooked pasta to the pot (or a large pan) and pour the butternut squash cashew sauce over it. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add veggies (optional):
- If using any steamed veggies like broccoli or peas, fold them into the pasta for extra nutrients and texture.
- Serve and garnish:
- Serve the “mac and cheese” warm, garnished with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or ground nuts for added crunch, and fresh herbs like parsley or chives if you like.
Notes
Optional add-ins: steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach (for extra veggies) Toppings (optional): A sprinkle of nutritional yeast or ground nuts for a cheesy, crunchy topping and freshly chopped parsley, chives, and black pepper for garnish.
Nutrition
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