Step 1

Add cashews to a heat-proof bowl and cover with at least 2 inches of boiling water. Set aside to soak.

Step 2

PASTA: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta, stir, and set a timer for the lower end of your package’s al dente recommendation. Proceed with the recipe while your pasta cooks.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add olive oil and garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly sizzling — about 1 minute. Add the drained and rinsed beans, tomatoes, and salt and stir to combine. Then reduce to low heat, cover, and let simmer while you make your sauce.

Step 4

SAUCE: Drain the cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with the other sauce ingredients (water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and lemon zest). Blend on high until very smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. The sauce may seem thin but it will thicken once added to the pasta.

Step 5

PASTA: Test your pasta for doneness and drain. Then add the arugula to the tomatoes/beans and stir to combine. Once the arugula has wilted, add in the cooked pasta and the cashew sauce and mix well. Turn the heat to medium-low and continue stirring until everything is nicely coated and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

Step 6

Serve warm garnished with vegan parmesan cheese, if desired. Leftovers keep for 3-4 days. Not freezer friendly.