If you are searching for a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug and a celebration on a plate, the Marry Me Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cashew Cream Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary repertoire. This vibrant, creamy, and incredibly satisfying meal combines the nuttiness of cashew cream with the bright flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, tender lentil pasta, and fresh vegetables. Every bite bursts with harmony, making it a perfect dish for weeknight dinners or impressing someone special without hours in the kitchen. Prepare to fall in love with this luscious, plant-based pasta that is both nutritious and irresistibly delicious.

Marry Me Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cashew Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, wholesome, and work beautifully together to create a dish that’s rich in flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role: the cashews form a silky cream base, the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness, and the lentil pasta brings a satisfying protein-packed bite.

Raw cashews: The secret to a luscious, creamy sauce that is dairy-free but decadently smooth.
Lentil pasta: Provides a nutty flavor and hearty texture, plus plenty of plant protein.
Nutritional yeast: Adds a subtle cheesy depth and savory umami notes.
Soy milk: Used to blend with cashews creating the silky sauce consistency.
Olive oil: Helps soften the onions and meld the sauce flavors beautifully.
Yellow onions: Bring natural sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
Red bell peppers: Add vibrant color and gentle crunch with fresh flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Impart intense, tangy sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
Butter beans: Contribute creaminess and protein to the sauce.
Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor, giving richness to the sauce.
Dried oregano: Adds herbaceous warmth and Italian flair.
Garlic powder: Boosts savory undertones without overpowering.
Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh, zesty finish.
Fresh spinach: Offers vibrant green color and nutritious lift.
Fresh parsley: For a fragrant, fresh garnish that complements the creamy pasta.

How to Make Marry Me Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cashew Cream Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the lentil pasta according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. Lentil pasta not only brings a tender bite but also provides added protein, making this dish extra nourishing. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Cashew Cream Sauce

In a blender, combine the raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and soy milk. Blend them until smooth and creamy. This cashew cream is a game changer, delivering that rich, velvety feel without any dairy, making the sauce indulgent yet light. Set this aside to be added later to the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely sliced yellow onions and sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are tender and lightly caramelized, which forms a flavorful base. This sweat is essential, offering a sweet and savory backdrop for the forthcoming layers of flavor.

Step 4: Add Peppers and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Next, toss in the thinly sliced red bell peppers along with the sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Cook this mixture for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld the flavors together. The sun-dried tomatoes bring an irresistible chewiness and concentrated sweetness that lifts the entire dish.

Step 5: Incorporate Butter Beans and Tomato Paste

Stir in the drained butter beans, tomato paste, dried oregano, and an extra pinch of garlic powder. Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to soften and deepen in flavor. The butter beans add a creamy texture and body that make this sauce truly special.

Step 6: Add the Cashew Cream

Pour the prepared cashew cream sauce into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly so everything merges into a luscious, cohesive sauce. This is where the magic happens—the sauce thickens slightly and envelops the veggies in velvety goodness.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Greens

Add the cooked pasta, fresh spinach, and lemon juice directly into the skillet. Stir everything together just long enough for the spinach to wilt beautifully and for the flavors to unite. The lemon juice injects a fresh brightness that balances out the richness, making every bite exciting.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, generously sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and herbal freshness. This final touch makes the dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

How to Serve Marry Me Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cashew Cream Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic choice to garnish this pasta, adding a bright, herbaceous pop that complements the creamy, tangy sauce. For extra flair, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a scatter of toasted pine nuts for crunch and spice.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a side of crusty artisan bread makes it feel like a full, thoughtful meal. The bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of that luscious cashew cream sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish in rustic bowls to emphasize its comforting appeal, or twirl the pasta into neat bundles topped with an extra drizzle of olive oil and herbs for a restaurant-inspired touch. Brighten your presentation with colorful edible flowers or microgreens to wow your guests visually as well as gastronomically.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen upon sitting, making it a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this pasta, it’s best to keep the pasta and sauce separate. Freeze each in airtight containers for up to 2 months. This helps maintain the texture of the lentil pasta and the creamy sauce.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of plant-based milk or water to bring back creaminess if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at full power to preserve the delicate texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While lentil pasta adds protein and a wonderful texture, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape or variety. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is the cashew cream sauce suitable for people with nut allergies?

If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the cashew cream with a thickened blend of silken tofu or a creamy oat-based sauce, but note the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes, you can sauté the onions and peppers in a little water or vegetable broth instead of olive oil for an oil-free version. The flavors will still come through nicely.

What if I don’t have nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can leave it out or replace it with a small amount of grated vegan cheese or miso paste for umami.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red chili flakes while sautéing the vegetables or mix in a splash of hot sauce when adding the cashew cream for a delightful kick that complements the rich sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cashew Cream Recipe is such a joy to prepare and even greater to eat. Its creamy texture and bright flavors make it a shining example of how plant-based dishes can be both elegant and comforting. I hope you give this recipe a try and experience the magic it brings to your table—trust me, it might just become your new go-to pasta!