Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Dip a glass measuring cup or coffee mug into the water and reserve about 1½ cups. Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and set aside while you make the sauce.
12-16 ounces pasta
Blend the cashews, 1 cup reserved pasta water, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, garlic, and salt and pepper in a high-speed blender until the sauce is very smooth. Add more reserved pasta water as needed if the sauce is too thick to blend.
1 cup raw cashews, 1 cup reserved pasta water, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, salt and pepper
Add the sauce to the cooked pasta and toss until well coated, adding a little extra reserved pasta water as needed.
Serve the pasta immediately topped with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
fresh basil or parsley
Notes
Storing: Leftover pasta will last covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. For best results, do not freeze.Sun-dried tomatoes: This recipe calls for the ones in a jar packed in olive oil. If you prefer an oil-free version, you can use the dry ones sold in bags and in bulk bins. But you will need to soak them in a bowl of water for at least 2 hours to reconstitute them.Raw cashews: Look for raw cashews rather than roasted cashews. Bags of halves and pieces are usually less expensive than whole raw cashews.