Ingredients
3 medium-large red bell peppers
Approx. 2 tablespoons olive oil
2–3 cups pasta (for 4 people)
1 cup raw cashews (whole, not roasted)
2 cloves garlic
1 large handful fresh basil
1.5 teaspoons thyme
½ cup boiling hot water
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven — Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prep the Peppers — Remove the cores from the red bell peppers and slice them into quarters.
3. Coat with Oil — In a large bowl, toss the peppers with olive oil until evenly coated.
4. Roast — Spread the peppers on a lined baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
5. Cook the Pasta — While the peppers roast, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Build the Sauce — In a high-speed blender, combine the cashews, garlic, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Add Peppers and Water — Boil ½ cup of water and add it to the blender along with the roasted peppers.
8. Blend — Blend until the sauce is thick and creamy, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Combine and Serve — Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with cracked pepper and fresh basil.
Notes
No high-speed blender? Soak the cashews overnight or for at least 4 hours to achieve a smoother texture before blending.
Char for deeper flavor — Roast the peppers until slightly charred for a smokier, richer taste.
Don’t skip the fresh basil — It adds a bright, herby note that ties the dish together.
Use raw cashews only — Roasted cashews may alter the flavor and texture of the sauce. Raw cashews give a neutral, creamy base.
Storage: Store leftover sauce separately from the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep them separate to maintain creaminess when reheating.
Freezing: Freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Stir in sautéed spinach or kale for added greens. Use the sauce as a dip for crusty bread or as a spread for sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Easy Meals
- Method: Roasting / Blender / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Italian