10 Quick & Easy Pasta Sauces

When it comes to whipping up a satisfying meal in a hurry, pasta is my go-to. The best part? An easy sauce can elevate your pasta dish from simple to spectacular in mere minutes. With just a handful of ingredients, including raw cashews, garlic, and a few spices, you can create a creamy, flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta or gnocchi. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or inviting friends over, these 10 Quick & Easy Pasta Sauces are bound to impress!

Why It’s My Go-To

Pasta sauces often seem complicated, but they don’t have to be! With these recipes, you can make delicious sauces that are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Utilizing raw cashews allows for a creamy texture without dairy, making these sauces suitable for various dietary preferences. Plus, they are versatile enough to adapt based on what you have in your pantry. You’ll love how these sauces can transform a simple bowl of pasta into a gourmet meal.

Your Shopping Guide

Before you jump into the kitchen, here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Raw cashews: Essential for creating a creamy base.
• Water: To achieve the desired sauce consistency.
• Garlic: A medium clove adds a robust flavor.
• Nutritional yeast: For a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
• Onion powder: Adds depth to the sauce.
• Kosher salt: For seasoning to taste.
• Freshly ground black pepper: A touch of heat and flavor.
• Gnocchi or cooked pasta: Your choice of base for the sauce.
• Fresh herbs: Minced parsley or chiffonaded basil for garnish.

Tools of the Trade

To make these sauces, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• High-speed blender: For a smooth and creamy sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients.
• Pot for boiling pasta: Essential for cooking your pasta or gnocchi.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For mixing and serving.

Step-by-Step: 10 Quick & Easy Pasta Sauces

1. Creamy Garlic Cashew Sauce

– Soak 3/4 cup raw cashews in water for at least 2 hours, then drain.
– In a blender, combine drained cashews, 1/2 cup water, 1 medium clove garlic, 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Blend until smooth.
– Toss with cooked gnocchi or pasta and garnish with fresh parsley.

2. Lemon Basil Cashew Sauce

– Follow the same base as the creamy garlic sauce.
– Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon and a handful of fresh basil leaves before blending.
– Mix with your choice of pasta and top with additional basil.

3. Spicy Tomato Cashew Sauce

– Blend 3/4 cup soaked cashews, 1/2 cup water, 1 medium clove garlic, and 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes.
– Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
– Heat in a pan, then serve over pasta.

4. Mushroom Cashew Sauce

– Sauté 1 cup chopped mushrooms and 1 clove minced garlic until soft.
– Blend soaked cashews, 1/2 cup water, and sautéed mushrooms until creamy.
– Serve with pasta and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

5. Pesto Cashew Sauce

– Blend 3/4 cup soaked cashews, 1/2 cup water, 1 cup fresh basil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 clove garlic until smooth.
– Toss with gnocchi or pasta and top with grated vegan cheese.

6. Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Sauce

– Blend 3/4 cup soaked cashews, 1/2 cup water, 1 medium roasted red pepper, 1 clove garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
– Mix with cooked pasta for a vibrant dish.

7. Creamy Spinach Cashew Sauce

– Blend soaked cashews, 1/2 cup water, 1 clove garlic, and 2 cups fresh spinach until smooth and creamy.
– Heat in a saucepan and serve over your favorite pasta.

8. Avocado Cashew Sauce

– Blend 3/4 cup soaked cashews, 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup water, 1 clove garlic, and juice of 1 lime.
– Serve immediately over pasta, garnished with cilantro.

9. Dill and Lemon Cashew Sauce

– Blend soaked cashews, 1/2 cup water, juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, and 1 clove garlic.
– Toss with pasta and top with additional dill.

10. Curry Cashew Sauce

– Blend soaked cashews, 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon curry powder, 1 clove garlic, and salt to taste.
– Heat gently and serve over gnocchi for a unique twist.

Substitutions by Diet

• Nut-free: Substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or gnocchi.
• Low-carb: Serve with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Dairy-free: All recipes are already dairy-free using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Author’s Commentary

I’ve always been a fan of pasta, and these 10 Quick & Easy Pasta Sauces have become staples in my weekly meal prep. The beauty of these sauces lies in their adaptability; you can easily switch up the herbs and spices to match your mood or what you have on hand. Plus, they come together in a flash, making them perfect for busy weeknights. I love how they not only save time but also bring a fresh and nutritious element to my meals.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. For best results, add a splash of water to help loosen the sauce when reheating.

Reader Q&A

1. Can I make these sauces ahead of time?

Absolutely! These sauces can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making them perfect for meal prep.

2. Can I use roasted cashews instead of raw?

Yes, you can use roasted cashews, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different. Soaking them may not be necessary.

3. What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?

If you don’t have a high-speed blender, a regular blender or food processor will work, though the texture may be less smooth. You can also soak the cashews longer for easier blending.

4. How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?

To adjust the thickness, simply add more water for a thinner sauce or blend in additional cashews for a thicker consistency.

See You at the Table

With these 10 Quick & Easy Pasta Sauces at your disposal, you’ll never have a boring pasta night again. Each sauce brings its own unique flavor profile, allowing you to tailor your meals to whatever you’re craving. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade pasta sauce!