Creamy Vegan Pasta Alla Vodka
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz package of pasta
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/3 cup tomato paste (not double or triple concentrated)
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 14 oz canned tomatoes, crushed or chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2-3 shallots or 1 small sweet onion
- 3 large garlic cloves
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (more to taste)
- 1 tsp raw cane sugar or other sweetener
- 2 cups of pasta water
- A handful of fresh basil
- 1/4 cup vegan parmesan (optional)
Preparation
Soak cashews in hot water for 30 minutes, then drain. If you have a high-powered blender, you can omit this step.
Cook pasta al dente in salted water and reserve 2 cups of pasta water before draining.
Finely mince shallot and garlic, then sauté with olive oil until fragrant.
Add tomato paste and stir for a minute, then add vodka, canned tomatoes, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
Blend the soaked cashews with 1 cup of pasta water until very smooth.
Stir the cashew cream into the tomato sauce and simmer for a couple more minutes.
Add the hot pasta and vegan parmesan if using. If needed, add more pasta water.
Top with fresh basil and enjoy.
