Best Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta Recipe - How to Make Creamy Vegan Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 c. water, divided, plus more for pasta
• 3/4 c. raw cashews, divided
• 2 tbsp. plus 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
• 16 oz. penne
• 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 3 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, divided
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 6 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1/4 c. sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/4 c. fresh basil leaves, finely chopped, for serving