Cheesy pasta was always a go-to in my house. Unfortunately it mostly came in a blue box and the cheese was pretty fake 😉 As I grew up I still loved a cheesy pasta dish and aimed to make a healthy but still tasty alternative.

Healthy Cheese Pasta Recipe

Enter this dish!

This healthy cheese sauce is perfect on top of some linguini noodles for dinner in a pinch or to add a bit of extra nutrition (and flavor!) to steamed veggies. I make a big batch and throw it in the freezer to thaw when I need it.

Because the base of the sauce is cashews it not only turns out super creamy but it packs a healthy dose of essential fats too! And if you haven’t given nutritional yeast a try.. you’re missing out! This yeast is a source of complete proteins and also high in B vitamins making it the perfect addition to a bowl of noodles.

Ingredients for Healthy Cashew Cheese Pasta Sauce

• 1 cup cashews
• 2 medium size carrots peeled and roughly chopped
• 2 tbs fresh lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove
• 2.5 tbs nutritional yeast
• 3/4 cups water
• Noodles of choice

Tip: swap out the regular noodles for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash noodles, as desired.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Vegetable steamer
• Food processor
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

How to Make Healthy Cheese Pasta

Soak the cashews for 20-60 minutes in a bowl of water. This makes them easier to blend and combine with the other ingredients.

Steam carrots until tender. After carrots are cooked, place all ingredients (except noodles) in a powerful blender or food processor and blend until fully combined. Mixture should be creamy.

Cook the noodles according to package directions. Sauce should remain warm due to the steamed carrots but if you prefer a piping hot meal, place sauce into a small pot and heat through while noodles are cooking.

When noodles are done toss in the sauce and serve!

Makes 2 cups of sauce (about four servings)

Healthy Cheese Pasta FAQ

Is this cheese pasta recipe suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies? Yes, this cheese pasta recipe is vegan and dairy-free, making it suitable for individuals following a vegan diet or those with dairy allergies. The “cheese” sauce is made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and other plant-based ingredients, providing a creamy and cheesy flavor without the need for dairy products.

Can I use a different type of nut instead of cashews? While cashews provide a creamy texture and neutral flavor to the sauce, you can experiment with other nuts such as almonds or macadamia nuts if you have dietary restrictions or preferences. Keep in mind that different nuts may alter the flavor and texture of the sauce slightly.

Can I make this cheese pasta recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make this cheese pasta recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles of your choice. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the nutritional yeast and seasonings, are certified gluten-free to accommodate individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

How long does the cheese sauce last in the refrigerator? The cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Simply reheat the sauce on the stove or in the microwave before tossing it with cooked noodles for a quick and convenient meal.

Grab your free printable recipe card for our cashew cheese pasta sauce recipe:

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