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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!