Creamy Tomato Shells Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Tomato Shells recipe combines whole wheat pasta with a luscious, dairy-free cashew cream sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb whole wheat shell pasta
- 25 oz garlic flavored pasta sauce
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup roasted salted cashews
- 2/3 cup Silk Unsweetened Original Almond Milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Step 3: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the roasted cashews, almond milk, and the sautéed garlic and onion mixture. Blend until completely smooth to create the cashew cream sauce.
- Step 4: Return the cooked pasta to the pan and pour in the garlic-flavored pasta sauce along with the cashew cream. Stir gently over low heat until the mixture is heated through.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste. I recommend about 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, but adjust according to your preference.
- Step 6: Serve the creamy tomato shells garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the cashews before blending.
- Swap whole wheat pasta for gluten-free varieties if needed.
- Add red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
- If you don’t have almond milk, other plant-based milks like oat or cashew milk also work well.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm in the microwave until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
This recipe relies on cashews for the creamy sauce, but you can substitute with soaked sunflower seeds or use a store-bought dairy-free cream alternative to keep it nut-free.
Can I prepare the cashew cream ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the cashew cream up to 2 days in advance. Stir well before combining it with the pasta and sauce.
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Creamy Tomato Shells Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting whole wheat shell pasta dish featuring a rich garlic and onion cashew sauce blended with almond milk and garlic-flavored pasta sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for added freshness and color.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb whole wheat shell pasta
Sauce
- 25 oz garlic flavored pasta sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup roasted salted cashews
- 2/3 cup Silk Unsweetened Original Almond Milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the whole wheat shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Saute Garlic and Onion: In a pan over medium-high heat, add 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and sauté the minced garlic and diced onion for 8 to 10 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
- Prepare Cashew Sauce: Transfer the sautéed garlic and onion mixture, roasted salted cashews, and almond milk to a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pan. Pour in the garlic-flavored pasta sauce and the blended cashew cream sauce. Stir over low heat until the mixture is warmed through.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, using approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper as a guideline.
- Serve: Plate the creamy tomato shells and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Roasted salted cashews add depth of flavor; if you prefer unsalted cashews, adjust salt in the recipe accordingly.
- Using whole wheat pasta increases fiber content and adds a nutty flavor.
- Ensure the cashew sauce is blended smoothly for the creamiest consistency.
- Silk Unsweetened Original Almond Milk keeps the sauce dairy-free while maintaining creaminess.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan if the pasta contains no eggs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: creamy tomato shells, whole wheat pasta, cashew cream sauce, garlic pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta, easy weeknight dinner, dairy-free creamy pasta
