Soak cashews in very hot water for 20 minutes. Then drain and add to a high-speed blender.
To blender, also add arrowroot starch (for thickening), nutritional yeast, garlic, sea salt, vegan parmesan cheese, and lesser amount of unsweetened dairy-free milk (1 cup (240 ml) as original recipe is written).
Blend on high until creamy and smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more garlic for kick/zing, nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan cheese for cheesy flavor, salt for saltiness, or dairy-free milk if too thick.
Transfer to a rimmed skillet and cook over medium-low to medium heat for 5 minutes, whisking frequently. The sauce should thicken and bubble. Add more dairy-free milk as needed to thin (I typically add up to 1/2 - 1 cup (120-240ml) more // amount as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Then it's ready to serve!
Enjoy with zucchini noodles or your favorite pasta. It could even be enjoyed layered in lasagna! Top with additional Vegan Parmesan Cheese and Roasted Tomatoes for more flavor.
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Notes
*2-3 cloves garlic yield ~1 1/2 Tbsp crushed garlic. *Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated without additional toppings / garnishes or pasta. *Prep time does not indicate total hands-on prep time, but also includes prep completed while other items are cooking.