Description

A rich and comforting creamy vegan Cajun pasta made with silky cashew sauce, Cajun-spiced mushrooms, and fresh toppings for a bold yet balanced plant-based meal.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 green onions, white and green parts separated and finely chopped

1 cup raw cashews, soaked

Juice of 2 lemons

1/2 cup filtered water

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 ounces penne pasta

8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 roma tomato, finely chopped

Fresh parsley for serving

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Instructions

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and the white parts of the green onions and cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. Add them to a blender with the cooked garlic and onions, lemon juice, water, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
Toss sliced mushrooms with the remaining olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft and well-seasoned.
Return the pasta to the pot and mix with the cashew cream sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
Serve topped with Cajun mushrooms, green onion greens, chopped tomato, and fresh parsley.

Notes

Soaking cashews ensures a smooth and creamy sauce.

Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level.

Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 0mg