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Vegan Vodka Pasta Recipe

Emily Carter
A dairy-free, creamy, and flavor-packed vegan vodka pasta that keeps all the richness and none of the compromise.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520 kcal

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.
Enjoy a guilt-free, creamy pasta that tastes just as indulgent as the original!