Romantic Vegan Dinner – Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and if you’re looking for a romantic, plant-based meal that’s easy yet luxurious, this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is the perfect dish. With a rich, velvety cashew-tomato sauce infused with garlic and fresh basil, this recipe brings comfort and indulgence to your table—without the dairy.
Pair it with crispy vegan garlic bread and a side of roasted asparagus for a complete, elegant dinner that will impress your loved one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Dairy-Free & Vegan – Ultra-creamy without heavy cream
- Simple Yet Elegant – Perfect for a date night at home
- Rich & Flavorful – Roasted tomatoes and cashews create a decadent sauce
Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
For the creamy tomato basil sauce:
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours or boiled for 10 minutes)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For the pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or pasta of choice
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
Instructions:
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Blend the Sauce: Add the roasted tomatoes, soaked cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, oregano, and dried basil to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add more broth for a thinner consistency.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce blends, cook your pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine & Simmer: Pour the creamy tomato sauce into a large pan over medium heat. Stir in the fresh basil and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.
- Serve with Love: Plate the pasta by twirling it into nests for an elegant touch. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
Serving Suggestions:
🍞 Crusty Vegan Garlic Bread – Spread dairy-free butter and minced garlic on sliced baguette, bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until golden.
🥦 Roasted Asparagus – Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F for 15 minutes.
Wine Pairing:
Pair this dish with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect romantic dinner.
Tips for the Perfect Date Night Pasta:
- Prep Ahead: Soak the cashews overnight for the creamiest texture.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety.
- Add Protein: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, vegan chick’n, or white beans for extra protein.
More Valentine’s Day Recipes You’ll Love:
- Decadent Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse
- Date Night Stuffed Mushrooms
- Cozy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
For more delicious plant-based recipes, visit HealthyHerMidlife.com’s recipe page.
Happy Valentine’s Cooking! 🍽✨
Estimated Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~60g
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~3g
- Fiber: ~6g
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~400mg
(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
This dish is rich in healthy fats from cashews, packed with fiber, and a great source of plant-based protein when paired with whole-grain or legume-based pasta. Perfect for a nourishing, indulgent meal!
Tomato Basil Pasta
Create a romantic vegan dinner with this Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta recipe. A luscious, dairy-free sauce made with roasted tomatoes and cashews makes this dish perfect for date night. Pair it with vegan garlic bread and roasted asparagus for a complete meal!
Ingredients
For the creamy tomato basil sauce:
For the pasta:
To Make
-
Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until soft and caramelized.
-
Blend the Sauce: Add the roasted tomatoes, soaked cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, oregano, and dried basil to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add more broth for a thinner consistency.
-
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce blends, cook your pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
-
Combine & Simmer: Pour the creamy tomato sauce into a large pan over medium heat. Stir in the fresh basil and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.
-
Serve with Love: Plate the pasta by twirling it into nests for an elegant touch. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
