Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, combine soaked cashews, roasted red peppers, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes, and set aside.
In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and break down, about 10 minutes. The mixture will become fragrant and slightly bubbling.
Pour the blended cashew and roasted pepper mixture into the skillet with the tomatoes. Stir well to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Cook for another minute over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to heat through. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the pasta, with a vibrant red hue.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy this creamy, comforting vegan pasta that’s simple yet satisfying.