Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
If you love bold tomato flavor, this creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is a fun recipe to try. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich, slightly tangy taste that makes the sauce feel extra special. The best part is how quick and easy it is to make. A few simple ingredients blend together into a smooth, flavorful sauce in just minutes.
This sauce is great for busy weeknights or anytime you want to add big flavor to a simple meal. Spoon it over hummus pasta, spread it on caprese sandwiches, or drizzle it over roasted veggies. It also works well as a dip for warm seed bread or a topping for shredded tofu bowls. Once you make it, you’ll probably find plenty of delicious ways to use it.
For even more tomato-y deliciousness, try these vegan tomato soup, herby olive and tomato salad, and luscious pink pasta recipes!
Why You’ll Love this Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
If photos of thick, rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta don’t tempt you, then we’ll have to share many other reasons why you must try this recipe. A wonderful addition to your weekly meal planner, as well!
- Big, Bold Flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich and tangy flavor that makes this pasta taste amazing. Every bite is savory and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy to Make. This recipe is perfect for busy days. The sauce comes together fast and the pasta cooks in minutes.
- Creamy and Comforting. The sauce turns smooth and creamy when blended. It’s a great dish when you want something warm and satisfying.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients. Most of the ingredients are easy to find. Simple pantry ingredients can make a surprisingly delicious meal.
- Easy to Customize. Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted veggies if you like. Toss in roasted chickpeas or white beans (like in this white bean hummus) for extra protein.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
One bite will transport you to a sun-drenched villa in Italy with its creamy texture, rich flavor, and tomato-y tang. Here are the ingredients you need to create this dreamy recipe:
- Cashews – Blended cashews are what give this sauce a thick, creamy texture without using a lot of oil or dairy. Raw sunflower seeds are a great nut-free option. Silken tofu is a great option for a milky flavor and a boost of protein.
- Garlic – A must-have ingredient that gives depth and pungency. Garlic powder is a simple swap if you don’t have fresh garlic. Start with about ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste. A small amount of finely chopped shallot or onion would also work.
- Sun Dried Tomatoes – Oil-packed dried tomatoes are wonderfully herbal, sweet, and tangy. They are also easily stored in the pantry until ready to use.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Helps to balance out the flavors. Feel free to substitute white wine vinegar, if needed, for it has a similar acidity to the apple cider version.
- Nutritional Yeast – Makes this sauce have a little ‘cheezy’ flavor without using dairy-filled parmesan. Swap for vegan parmesan if you happen to be out of nooch.
- Lemon Juice – Brings a brightness and zing to the sauce. If you’re out of lemon juice, consider using lime juice or red wine vinegar in its place.
- Vegetable Broth – It’s possible to use water instead of broth for the liquid in this tomato alfredo sauce. But, adding vegetable broth gives the finished sauce much more flavor.
- Basil – Adding this sweet and slightly spicy herb to any pasta dish brings it to a whole new level of amazing. Oregano, thyme, or tarragon are suitable substitutions if you’re completely out of basil.
How To Make Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Follow these simple instructions and you’ll be good to go. If you’re making the pasta ahead of time, make sure to rinse the pasta in cool water to stop the cooking process. Any extra sauce can be used to drizzle on roasted veggies, baked potatoes, or other dishes.
Step 1: Cook Pasta – Start the pasta cooking, according to package instructions.
Step 2: Make Sauce – Gather and measure out the sauce ingredients, add to a high speed blender, and blend until completely smooth.
Finally, Step 3: Add Sauce to Pasta – Pour the blended sauce over the cooked pasta and mix well. Serve immediately.
Note: If you have any leftover pasta, save any remaining sauce separately. Stir in the leftover sauce (and a little bit of water) along with the extra pasta when reheating.
Helpful Tips and Serving Suggestions
Get creative with your vegan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes! From pasta to sandwiches to pizza, you’ll find simple ways to make every meal extra tasty!
- Spread It on Sandwiches or Subs – Use the sauce as a tasty spread for sandwiches, wraps, or meatball subs. It adds a creamy, tangy kick to veggies or vegan deli slices. Your lunch just got a major upgrade.
- Drizzle Over Roasted Veggies – Roasted veggies love a little sun-dried tomato sauce. Drizzle it over roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini. It turns simple veggies into a crowd-pleasing side.
- Top Vegan Pizza – Spread the sauce on a pizza crust instead of tomato sauce. Add your favorite veggies and vegan cheese. You get a rich, flavorful twist on a classic veggie pizza night.
- Power Up with Plant-Based Protein -To give your meal an extra boost of protein, how about adding in vegan meatballs, tofu ricotta cheese, vegan sausage or pepperoni, or even meatless ground crumbles?
- Appealing Appetizer – Make crispy bruschetta! Slice a baguette thinly, toast the slices, and then brush one side with olive oil. Add a spoonful of sun-dried tomato sauce to each and top with a slice of vegan mozzarella or vegan parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with seasonings and balsamic glaze. Place under the broiler until golden and bubbly. Dee-lish!
FAQs
This recipe makes approximately 3 cups of finished sauce.
Your vegan sun-dried tomato sauce will keep in the fridge for about 4–5 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Yes, you can freeze it! Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers or even ice cube trays for smaller servings. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw in the fridge or gently warm on the stove when you’re ready to use it.
More Savory Sauces to Try
Listen while you cook! Tune into my podcast, The Plant Powered People Podcast, while you’re cooking, folding laundry, or taking a bath. It may just change your life!
Sun Dried Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 cups cashews, soaked for 2 hours or overnight and drained
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- ¼ cup lemon juice, about 1 lemon
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Serve With:
- 1 pound pasta, any type
- ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, add the soaked cashews, garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, nutritional yeast, sun dried tomatoes, lemon juice, and vegetable broth to a high-speed blender and blend on high until completely smooth. When you rub the sauce between your fingers, it shouldn’t feel grainy.
- Pour ¾ of the sauce over the pasta and mix together, and reserve the remaining sauce to add to leftovers or drizzle over vegetables, potatoes, or other dishes throughout the week.
- Top with sliced basil and sun dried tomatoes
Notes
- Serving Size: Make about 3 cups of sauce.
- Storing Tips: The sauce will keep in the fridge for about 4–5 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and flavorful.
- Freezing Instructions: Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers or even ice cube trays for smaller servings. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw in the fridge or gently warm on the stove when you’re ready to use it.
Nutrition
Thanks to our amazing recipe testers Jenny Ortega, Nicole Benson and Marilyn Vega for testing this recipe to make sure it’s perfect for our readers.
You may also like...
Enter to Win Our Monthly Giveaway!
New winner every month! Drop your name below for a chance to win hundreds of dollars of vegan prizes from our brand partners. You’ll also receive our weekly e-newsletter with plant-based recipes galore!
Leave a Comment
Creamy and delicious!
This sun-dried tomato sauce was so perfect over pasta. This makes an excellent weeknight dinner!
Super yummy sauce! It has such a rich tomato flavor and was super simple to whip up. Really tasty on pretty much any pasta or bread!
Simple yet delicious sauce. Flavorful and creamy it elevates pasta to the next level!
Agreed! This sauce is amazing!