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Creamy Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes

Lottie Mishan
This gluten-free and vegan Creamy Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes is the best summer vegetable pasta recipe, plus it only takes 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 448 kcal

Ingredients
  

Vegetable Pasta

  • 1 pound Living Now® Gluten-Free Organic Quinoa Penne
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 shallots chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium zucchini halved lengthwise and sliced into half moons
  • 10 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes optional
  • 1 to 2 lemons zested and juiced, divided
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste

Creamy Vegan Pasta Sauce

  • 3/4 cup Now Real Food® Cashews whole, raw and unsalted
  • 3/4 to 1 cup hot water
  • 1 to 2 tablesoons Now® Nutritional Yeast Flakes
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Living Now® Gluten-Free Organic Penne Pasta and cook on the low end of the package instructions until al dente. When the pasta has finished cooking, drain and lightly rinse to prevent the pasta from clumping together.
  • In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, add the olive oil and heat over medium.
  • Add the shallots and garlic and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the zucchini, tomatoes and chili flakes and cook for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown and jammy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Add the drained and lightly rinsed pasta to the pot with the vegetables.
  • In the carafe of a high speed blender, add the Now® Real Food Cashews, 3/4 cup hot water, and Now® Nutritional Yeast Flakes. Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed for consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Pour the sauce slowly over the pasta and vegetables and gently stir to combine. Add more sauce as desired or save for another use.
  • Add the lemon juice and half of the zest to taste. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
  • Stir in 3/4 of the basil and allow the basil to wilt a little bit.
  • Serve garnished with additional basil leaves and remaining lemon zest.

Notes

  • Store this pasta recipe in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
  • Reheat either in the microwave for a couple of minute or on the stove over low heat, adding a little splash of water if needed to loosen up the sauce. 
  • Use your favorite summer farmers' market vegetables in this recipe! 
Keyword Pasta Recipes