Dinner

Creamy Vegan Mushroom and Kale Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Vegan Mushroom and Kale Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1.5 cups cashews (soaked for 2-4 hours); 4 cloves garlic; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; 2 rosemary sprigs; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 cups chopped kale; 4 large portobello mushrooms; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb uncooked farfalle (bow tie) pasta; 1 cup reserved pasta water

ByClara Bennett March 1, 2026March 1, 2026

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Introduction

This creamy vegan mushroom and kale pasta is a rich, satisfying dish perfect for a comforting meal. Made with a smooth cashew-based sauce, tender portobello mushrooms, and nutritious kale, it’s both flavorful and wholesome.

A close-up view of a black cast iron skillet filled with creamy farfalle pasta mixed with green kale leaves and covered with brown, cooked mushroom slices. The farfalle pasta shows light cream sauce coating each piece, while the kale adds dark green color peeking through. The skillet is placed on a white marbled surface, with green rosemary sprigs visible in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 cups cashews (soaked for 2-4 hours)
4 cloves garlic
2 cups vegetable broth
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp red pepper flakes
2 rosemary sprigs
1 cup pasta water (reserved)
3 cups chopped kale
4 large portobello mushrooms
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb uncooked farfalle pasta or bowtie pasta
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: truffle oil for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the cashews in a large bowl or cup covered with water for 2 to 4 hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly before using.
Step 2: In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, vegetable broth, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Puree until very smooth and set aside.
Step 3: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta without rinsing.
Step 4: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and stir constantly for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add the chopped kale to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes, until tender.
Step 6: Stir in the cashew cream, rosemary sprigs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to reach a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat.
Step 7: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently fold it into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Serve the pasta warm, topped with extra red pepper flakes, a light sprinkle of nutritional yeast, or a drizzle of truffle oil if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, sauté onions with the mushrooms before adding kale.
Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
Soak cashews overnight for an even creamier sauce.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy pasta with three main layers: the bottom layer is light beige bowtie pasta with a soft texture, mixed with bright green kale leaves visible throughout; the middle layer features thick, juicy slices of dark brown cooked mushrooms placed evenly on top; the top layer shows a spoonful of the same pasta, kale, and mushroom mixture being lifted by a woman's hand holding a silver spoon, with the background of a white marbled texture softly blurred. The dish is served in a black skillet. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw cashews without soaking?

Soaking cashews softens them for blending and creates a smooth sauce. Using unsoaked cashews can result in a grainy texture, so it’s best to soak them for at least 2 hours.

Is there a substitute for nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor. If unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of miso paste or vegan Parmesan for a similar effect.