Vegan Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta with Cashews and Parsley

A delightful aroma fills the kitchen as roasted garlic transforms into a creamy sauce, perfectly enveloping your favorite pasta. This vegan creamy spinach garlic pasta with cashews and parsley takes about one hour to prepare, but the rich flavors and satisfying textures are well worth the time. The secret ingredient—roasted garlic—adds an incredible depth that elevates this dish.

This recipe is ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal any day of the week. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or meal prepping for the week ahead. You can easily store leftovers in the fridge for a quick reheating option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The roasted garlic offers a sweet and savory flavor that enhances the creamy sauce.
• Cashews create a rich, velvety texture while adding protein and healthy fats.
• Spinach and parsley bring fresh color and nutrients to every bite.
• It’s a versatile dish—perfect with any pasta shape you desire.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this simple yet delicious meal:

For the Sauce

• 1 bulb garlic, top sliced off
• 1 ½ cups cashews, soaked for 6-24 hours or 1 hour in boiling water
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 bunch parsley
• Juice from ½ lemon
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

For the Pasta

• 3-4 servings cooked pasta of choice (any pasta works here)

Soaking cashews makes them easier to blend smoothly.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use almond or sunflower seeds instead of cashews.
• Any leafy greens can replace spinach, such as kale.
• Opt for gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
• Replace nutritional yeast with vegan cheese if preferred.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious pasta dish:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting garlic.

Roast the garlic

Place the garlic in a baking dish and roast for 40 minutes until tender and fragrant.

Blend the sauce

Once the garlic is done roasting, remove it from the bulb and add it to a blender along with the cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, spinach, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

Toss with pasta

In a large bowl, toss the creamy sauce with your cooked pasta until well combined. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, pasta tends to become mushy.
Reheat: Use a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tips for Best Results

• Roast the garlic until deep golden for maximum flavor.
• Adjust seasoning to taste—add more lemon for brightness or salt for depth.
• For a thicker sauce, use less broth during blending.
• Pair with a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main dish alongside a fresh green salad.
• Pair with crusty garlic bread for an indulgent meal.
• Great for meal prep and packed lunches throughout the week.