Creamy Tomato and Garlic Pasta

This has to be one of the tastiest pasta dishes I’ve made to date. It’s ridiculously quick and easy to make, making it perfect for lunch or dinner to suit both vegan and gluten free eaters. This Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Pasta is luxuriously silky and delicious, and makes for perfect plant based comfort food.

Today I’m really excited to share with you my Creamy Tomato and Garlic Pasta! It’s super easy to make, absolutely delicious, and nice and healthy. Let’s get going!

This Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Pasta is a ridiculously easy dish to prepare. There are two basic steps: roast then blend. Once the cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves have been roasted, pop them into a high-speed blender along with the soaked cashews, tomato puree, spices, maple syrup, soy sauce and plant milk. Blend and taste, then add any more of the flavourings to your taste. Once smooth and silky, stir this creamy sauce into your cooked pasta, garnish with basil and enjoy!

This dish would be perfect with a dressed salad and a slice of vegan garlic bread. It’s the ultimate dish for when you fancy cosying up with a big hearty bowl of vegan comfort food.

I love nut-based creamy vegan sauces. This recipe uses cashews, which are a magic ingredient for vegan eaters! They add the creamiest texture to sauces and dips, whilst remaining fairly neutral but slightly nutty in flavour. If you have a high-speed blender, you may not even need to soak the cashews. I use a Nutribullet and soak for around 15 minutes in boiled water just to soften them slightly and ease blending the sauce.

If you’re on the hunt for more comforting vegan pasta dishes, take a look at the recipes below:

• Roasted Red Pepper Pasta {vegan, gluten free}
• Creamy Tomato Pasta {vegan, gluten free}
• Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese {vegan, gluten free}
• Pumpkin Sage Pasta

If you make this Vegan Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Pasta then please make sure to comment below or tag me in your creations over on Instagram @ginabnutrition – I absolutely love seeing them!

Ready to Make My Tomato and Garlic Pasta? Here’s What You’ll Need…

If you’re making my tomato and garlic pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients

1.5 cups Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are a great choice for pasta dishes due to their sweetness and vibrant flavor. They add a burst of freshness and color to your dish.

1.5 tbsp Olive Oil: Olive oil is commonly used in cooking and adds a rich and fruity flavor to your pasta. It also helps in sautéing and coating the pasta.

1/2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that can enhance the overall taste of your dish.

3 cloves Garlic (leave the skin on): Garlic is a fundamental ingredient for flavor in many pasta dishes. Roasting it with the skin on can mellow out its pungency and add a roasted, slightly sweet taste.

Salt & Pepper: These are essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients in your dish.

1/3 cup Raw, Unsalted Cashews (soaked & boiled in water for 15 minutes): Cashews can be blended into a creamy sauce, adding a rich and nutty flavor while providing a creamy texture without using dairy.

1/2 tsp Chilli Powder: Chilli powder adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish. The amount you’ve used will determine the spiciness level.

1/2 tsp Dried Oregano: Dried oregano is a common herb in Italian cuisine, adding a pleasant earthy and slightly peppery flavor.

2 tsp Maple Syrup: Maple syrup contributes sweetness and can balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.

1.5 tbsp Tomato Puree: Tomato puree adds concentrated tomato flavor and can help thicken the sauce.

2 tsp Soy Sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option): Soy sauce (or tamari) can provide a savory and umami-rich element to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

1 splash Non-Dairy Milk (of choice): Non-dairy milk is likely used to create a creamier texture and add some richness to the sauce.

200 grams Pasta or Spaghetti: The main component of the dish. The choice of pasta will impact the overall mouthfeel and how well it holds the sauce.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is often drizzled over the finished dish for extra flavor and richness.

Fresh Basil (for garnishing): Fresh basil is a classic herb that adds a burst of freshness and a hint of sweet aroma to the final dish.

Can Pasta Go Off?

Made too much of this tomato and garlic pasta and don’t want to waste it? Or have you left your pasta out overnight? Check my article on pasta safety!

Is Pasta and Tomato Healthy?

Pasta and tomato can be a healthy dish when prepared and consumed in moderation and with the right choices of ingredients.

Pasta: Pasta is a source of carbohydrates, which provide energy to your body. Opting for whole wheat or whole grain pasta can offer more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional refined pasta. Whole grains help regulate blood sugar levels and provide sustained energy. However, portion control is important, as excessive consumption of pasta can lead to overeating and excess calorie intake.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, particularly lycopene. Lycopene has been associated with various health benefits, including potential protection against certain types of cancer and heart disease. Tomatoes are also low in calories and provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.

Is Pasta Healthier Than Rice?

Whether pasta is healthier than rice or vice versa depends on various factors, including the type of pasta or rice, portion sizes, and individual dietary needs. Both pasta and rice have their own nutritional profiles, and the choice between the two depends on your health goals, preferences, and overall dietary pattern.

Nutritional Comparison:

Pasta:

• Pasta is typically made from wheat flour, and there are various types available, including refined, whole wheat, and gluten-free options.
• Whole wheat pasta is higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to refined pasta. It provides sustained energy and better blood sugar regulation due to its fiber content.
• Some pasta types may have added nutrients like protein or fiber, depending on the ingredients used.

Rice:

• Rice comes in different varieties, such as white rice, brown rice, basmati rice, jasmine rice, etc.
• Brown rice is a whole grain and is higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to white rice. It also has a lower glycemic index, which means it has a slower impact on blood sugar levels.
• White rice is more processed and has had the bran and germ removed, which removes some of the nutrients and fiber found in brown rice.

Considerations for Health:

1. Nutrient Content: Brown rice and whole wheat pasta generally have higher nutrient content compared to their refined counterparts, offering more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Fiber: Both brown rice and whole wheat pasta are good sources of dietary fiber, which supports digestion, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness.
3. Glycemic Index: Brown rice and whole wheat pasta have lower glycemic indexes compared to white rice and refined pasta, meaning they have a slower impact on blood sugar levels.
4. Gluten Sensitivity: For those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, gluten-free pasta or rice would be a better option.
5. Individual Needs: The choice between pasta and rice should align with your individual dietary needs, such as calorie intake, carbohydrate management, and personal preferences.
6. Variety: A balanced diet includes a variety of foods. It’s not just about choosing between pasta and rice, but also incorporating other whole grains, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats into your meals.