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Penne pasta smothered in a dreamy, dairy-free sauce with roasted veggies, cashews, garam masala, and chilli flakes—can’t get enough! This creamy vegan pasta is so good—the family begs for it every week!
“What a beautiful dish. Loved the vibrant color of the pasta sauce with all the veggies. Added some vegan cheese at the end, otherwise recipe was perfect as stated. Good level of spicy and Indian feel. Will definitely bookmark this to make again later, thank you.” ~Sudha
Every penne piece is drenched in rich, creamy goodness—no exceptions. Just take a look at the photos (and don’t miss the video!) to see how this sauce coats every bite. But here’s the kicker: it’s all thanks to a blend of veggies and cashew nuts, elevated with a Desi (South Asian) twist. The sauce comes to life with roasted tomatoes, carrot, bell pepper, and fennel, all seasoned with my Homemade Garam Masala.
As a dietitian, I’m passionate about creating dishes that are both delicious and nourishing—and this one truly delivers. If you enjoyed this, you might like exploring more of my Healthy Indian Main Dishes for even more flavourful ideas.
Nutrition Highlights
This vegan pasta dish is packed with nutrients and health-promoting ingredients, including:
- Healthy fats from cashew nuts
- Vitamins and antioxidants from roasted tomatoes
- Dietary fibre from fresh fennel and carrots
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta: Use whatever pasta you have on hand—just follow the packet instructions to avoid a mushy mess! For a gluten-free option, swap in your favourite gluten-free pasta.
- Roasted Tomatoes: These beauties add a touch of nostalgia and create a lovely, smooth sauce consistency. Their simplicity is where the magic happens.
- Fresh Fennel: This ingredient packs in the flavour and adds a unique, aromatic twist that makes the sauce stand out.
- Pepper: A sprinkle of pepper adds a smoky punch that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Carrot: Not only does it add a hint of sweetness, but it also brightens up the dish with a burst of colour!
- Garam Masala: This spice blend brings an authentic Indian flair to the dish. Just one spice mix adds layers of flavour and warmth.
- Cashew Nuts: The secret to that rich, creamy texture? Cashew nuts! They blend into a smooth, healthy sauce without needing to be soaked.
- Garlic: Packed with flavour and nutrition, garlic is a game-changer. I love frying thin slices in olive oil to add an extra punch of flavour to the sauce.
- Chilli Flakes: For that spicy kick that’s true to Desi recipes, toss in some chilli flakes. Adjust to your heat preference!
- Cilantro: Stir in fresh cilantro at the end to infuse a burst of freshness that brightens up the entire dish.
How to Make it
For a complete list of ingredient measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, you can find everything you need in the printable recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Food Safe Storage & Reheating Tip
To keep your pasta fresh and creamy, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing to avoid condensation and freezer burn!
When warming up leftovers, add a splash of water to the pasta to help revive its creamy texture. You want to heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Create a Balanced Plate: How to Round Out Your Pasta
Tip: To turn this pasta into a well-rounded meal, pair it with a side of mixed greens or a fresh vegetable salad to add additional fibre and a variety of nutrients. You might also include a protein-rich side like a chickpea salad or grilled tofu to ensure you’re hitting all your nutritional bases. Adding a serving of fruit for dessert can round out the meal with a touch of natural sweetness and additional vitamins.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Share your rating, leave a comment, and be sure to tag me on Instagram @DesiliciousRD! Seeing your creations truly makes my day!
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Veggie-Loaded Creamy Vegan Pasta (Indian Style!)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 carrot, large, washed, peeled, trimmed and small diced, Benefits of cooked carrots
- 4 tomatoes, large, washed, sliced in half
- ½ fennel, medium, washed, ends trimmed, and small diced
- 1 red pepper, large, washed, trimmed, deseeded and sliced in medium chunks
- 2½ tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups penne pasta, type is optional: wholewheat, legume-based, quinoa-based.
- 8 cups water, to boil the pasta. Follow packet instructions and adjust accordingly
- ½ cup cashews, unsalted, plain
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 8 garlic cloves, medium, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1½ tsp salt, sea salt
- 2 tsp chilli flakes, optional
- 1 cup cilantro, fresh, washed, finely chopped
Equipment
- blender
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 420 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the prepared vegetables on a large baking tray in a single layer. Drizzle with 2 tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper. Send to roast (top shelf) at 420 degrees Fahrenheit for 17-18 minutes. For perfectly charred vegetables, broil for 2-3 minutes – keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Meanwhile, in a large cooking pot, bring water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to packet instructions.
- Once the vegetables are roasted, transfer them to a large blender. Add garam masala, cashews and blitz until lusciously creamy. Set aside.
- In a large cooking pot, heat 1/2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and fry until lightly golden.
- Add the creamy pasta sauce, add salt, and heat through.
- Stir in the drained pasta to coat with the creamy vegan sauce.
- Finish with cilantro and chilli flakes (optional)
To Serve
- Serve alongside a vibrant rainbow raw veggie salad and grilled cedar plank salmon for a deliciously balanced meal.
Notes
Food Safe Storage & Reheating Tip
- To keep your pasta fresh and creamy, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing to avoid condensation and freezer burn!
- When warming up leftovers, add a splash of water to the pasta to help revive its creamy texture. You want to heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition Information:
Keep in mind that the nutritional values provided are approximations and suggestions, and might fluctuate depending on ingredient variations, portion sizes, and recipe adjustments. This nutrition facts table cannot account for your individual needs. Your body — including your hunger and satiety cues — change daily. It’s perfectly fine to eat more or less on different days. Instead of letting food guilt take over, consider mindful eating.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
What a beautiful dish. Loved the vibrant color of the pasta sauce with all the veggies. Added some vegan cheese at the end, otherwise recipe was perfect as stated. Good level of spicy and Indian feel. Will definitely bookmark this to make again later, thank you.
Hello Sudha! You really made my day! Thanks so much for taking the time to drop your feedback here! I love this recipe for so many reasons; it’s tasty galore and packed with nutrition. Your vegan cheese touch is something I must try when I make it next 🙂 Warmly, Shahzadi