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    MJ & Hungryman » Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes

    Easy Cashew Pasta Sauce

    By Min On June 26, 2023

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    An overhead shot of shell pasta tossed in cashew sauce.

    This cashew pasta sauce is the perfect way to add a creamy twist to your favorite pasta dishes. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this sauce is a flavorful alternative to traditional dairy-based sauces.

    An overhead shot of shell pasta tossed in cashew sauce.

    Cashew Alfredo Sauce

    Wednesdays have become pasta night for us just like Fridays are pizza night (hello protein pizza, our favorite!). Having themed food nights really helps ease the decision fatigue that comes with constantly having to figure out what to make.

    It can also add an element of fun and excitement too!

    One of the great things about pasta is that it can be paired with endless sauce, protein, and vegetable options.

    From this hidden veggie pasta sauce to this iron-rich baby pasta sauce to these no tomato sauces, there's no way we can get tired of pasta night.

    And if you’re in the mood for a healthier alternative to cream-based sauces, this dairy-free alfredo sauce is for you!

    The combination of creamy cashews and cauliflower along with other flavorings create a luscious sauce that's both satisfying and nourishing.

    Jump to:
    • Cashew Alfredo Sauce
    • Ingredients
    • Choosing the Best Pasta Shape
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Tips for Success
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Suggestions
    • More Creamy Pasta Sauces
    • Cashew Pasta Sauce

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients laid out on a white background.
    • Raw unsalted cashews - Along with cauliflower, they help make the sauce thick and creamy, mimicking the consistency of dairy cream. You can use roasted cashews to add an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.
    • Cauliflower - not only does it boost nutrition, it also makes the sauce smooth and creamy. And here's how to cook cauliflower for babies.
    • Lemon juice - to brighten up the sauce. You can also add some lemon zest too.
    • Miso - adds a delicious umami flavor to this otherwise mild-flavored sauce. You must try this miso pasta next!
    • Vegetable broth - While you can use water, cooking the cauliflower, cashews, and pasta in broth will result in a creamier texture and richer flavor.

    Choosing the Best Pasta Shape

    While any pasta shape will work with this sauce, I prefer the short pasta shapes with ridges or grooves, like fusili, rigatoni, or corkscrew, as they really soak up this cashew cream sauce.

    But if you are in the mood for fettucine alfredo, use thick noodles.

    You can use regular, whole wheat, gluten-free pasta, or legume based pasta (e.g. chickpea, edamame, lentil) for extra protein, iron, and fiber.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Cauliflower and cashews in boiling pot on left and drained on the right.
    Cooked pasta with sauce before combining.
    1. Add vegetable broth to a large pot and bring to a boil. Add the cashews and cauliflower and cook until fork-tender, about 8-10 minutes. This also eliminates the need for soaking the cashews.
    2. Using a slotted soon, transfer cauliflower and cashews to a high-speed blender. Don't drain the liquid! Add garlic, miso, lemon juice, and ¾ cup of cooking liquid to blender and blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. Add more liquid if thinner consistency desired. Stir in nutritional yeast or parmesan (optional).
    3. Add additional water to the pot with the remaining broth. Bring to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving one cup of the cooking liquid, and return pasta back to the same pot.
    4. Stir in cashew sauce and toss until well coated. Add reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce, as needed.

    Tips for Success

    • Be sure to save at least ½ cup of the cooking liquid. It will help the creamy sauce to cling to the pasta.
    • Once blended, taste the sauce and adjust to your liking. We like it really garlicky so oftentimes will add more. You can add more lemon juice or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor or parmesan cheese, if not vegan.

    Serving Suggestions

    Cashew pasta sauce with crackers and vegetables on the left and quesadilla with carrots and yogurt melts on the right.

    To round out the meal, enjoy this green sauce pasta with some protein, such as:

    • Tofu
    • Chicken
    • Salmon
    • Beans
    • Shrimp

    And extra veggies never hurt 😉

    • Carrots
    • Broccoli
    • Cauliflower
    • Frozen green beans
    • Frozen peas
    • Frozen Brussels sprouts
    • Sweet potatoes
    • Beets
    • Peas
    • Tomatoes

    Additionally, If you want to incorporate more variety into your child's diet, store the sauce separately. You can stir it into oatmeal, lentils, and quinoa.

    or

    Spread on toast, mini pizza, or add to quesadillas and sandwiches.

    It also makes for a delicious dip for vegetables and crackers. Here are the best crackers for babies and toddlers.

    Storage Suggestions

    I recommend storing the cashew sauce separately from the pasta in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can enjoy both cold or warm. Reheat briefly in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash or water.

    You can also freeze for up to 3 months. If you want to freeze in single serving portions, transfer the leftovers to a freezer tray, freeze until solid, pop out the molds, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

    You can also freeze cooked pasta too for a super quick freezer meal.

    More Creamy Pasta Sauces

    • Green pasta plated for mom, toddler, and baby.
      Creamy Green Pasta Sauce (Hulk Pasta)
    • An overhead shot of ricotta pasta in a bowl with cherry tomatoes.
      Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach
    • A close up shot of pasta with broccoli and carrots.
      Creamy Broccoli Pesto with Pasta
    • An overhead shot of carrot pasta in a bowl with basil.
      Creamy Carrot Pasta Sauce
    An overhead shot of shell pasta tossed in cashew sauce.

    Cashew Pasta Sauce

    Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this cashew pasta sauce is a flavorful alternative to traditional dairy-based sauces.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups of cauliflower florets (12 ounces)
    • 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth or water
    • 1 cup raw unsalted cashews (140g)
    • 2 teaspoons white miso paste
    • 2-3 garlic cloves
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ¼ cup nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese (optional)
    • 16 ounces Pasta

    Instructions

    • Add vegetable broth to a pot and bring to a boil. Add cauliflower and cashews, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until cauliflower is fork tender, about 8-10 minutes. Don't Drain!
    • Using a slotted soon, transfer cauliflower and cashews to a high-speed blender. Don't drain the liquid! Add garlic, miso, lemon juice, and ¾ cup of cooking liquid to blender and blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. Add more liquid if thinner consistency desired. Stir in nutritional yeast or parmesan (optional).
    • Add additional water to the pot with the remaining broth. Bring to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving one cup of the cooking liquid, and return pasta back to the same pot.
    • Stir in cashew sauce and toss until well coated. Add reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce, as needed.

    Notes

    I strongly recommend combining enough pasta and sauce for one meal and reserving the rest of the sauce to enjoy in various ways throughout the week, as mentioned above.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 428kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 11g | Sodium: 97mg | Potassium: 471mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 3mg
    Course Dinner, Main
    Cuisine American
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. jane Lee says

      June 30, 2023 at 1:43 pm

      hi what can you substitute the miso with?

      Reply
      • Min says

        June 30, 2023 at 1:47 pm

        You can try tahini!

        Reply
    2. Kate says

      September 10, 2022 at 8:29 am

      Sorry, but I'm not seeing where to add in the parmesean....

      Reply
      • Min says

        September 11, 2022 at 8:06 pm

        So sorry! Just added in the recipe!

        Reply
    3. Kritika says

      December 07, 2021 at 10:22 am

      My daughter is allergic to cashews what can I use to substitute it?

      Reply
    4. Sue ann says

      November 11, 2021 at 6:57 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe! It is simple and freezer friendly. And the kiddo loves it

      Reply
      • Min says

        November 11, 2021 at 10:26 am

        Love it! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    5. Sara Felton says

      August 07, 2021 at 8:51 am

      Can we freeze the leftovers?

      Reply
    6. Charlotte says

      May 31, 2018 at 2:26 am

      Love this! How long can I keep this in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Min says

        May 31, 2018 at 6:41 am

        We, especially Caleb, LOVED it! We finished it off in 3 days and was still good on the last day. I'd say 3-5 days!

        Reply

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    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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