Vegan Vodka Pasta Recipe
Who says indulgence needs dairy? This vegan vodka pasta delivers the same creamy, rich, and slightly boozy goodness—minus the guilt and stomach troubles. Cashew cream replaces heavy cream, bringing a velvety smoothness that clings to the pasta like a dream. Vodka intensifies the tomato flavors, making everything taste deeper and better. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds that cheesy touch without the cheese. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. So grab a fork, twirl away, and enjoy a plant-based version that tastes just as luxurious as the classic.
Vegan Vodka Pasta Recipe
A dairy-free, creamy, and flavor-packed vegan vodka pasta that keeps all the richness and none of the compromise.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup vodka
- 1 cup cashew cream see below
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
For Cashew Cream:
- ½ cup cashews soaked for 30 minutes
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Make cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews, water, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente. Save ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan. Cook onions until soft, then add garlic. Stir for 1 minute.
- Build the base: Add tomato paste and crushed tomatoes. Let them cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in vodka: Stir and let it simmer for 2 minutes, burning off the alcohol while deepening the flavors.
- Add cashew cream: Mix well and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine everything: Toss in pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until sauce coats every bite.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with basil and red pepper flakes. Enjoy before someone else steals your plate.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
Vitamin & Mineral Content (Per Serving)
- Vitamin B12: 20%
- Iron: 15%
- Calcium: 10%
- Potassium: 12%
- Magnesium: 8%
Flavor-Boosting Tips
- A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick.
- Let the vodka simmer properly—no one wants a boozy aftertaste.
- Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest cashew cream.
- Nutritional yeast brings cheesy vibes without the dairy.
