Vegan Alfredo Sauce

There’s something truly special about making a creamy, rich dish that not only satiates cravings but also embraces a plant-based approach. My go-to recipe for Vegan Alfredo Sauce has become a staple in my kitchen, and I honestly can’t remember the last time I craved a cheesy pasta dish without feeling the guilt of heavy dairy. The velvety texture and savory flavors of this sauce make it the perfect companion for any pasta, especially on those cozy nights when comfort food is a must. As someone who loves experimenting with flavors, I found that blending simple ingredients can create a sauce that rivals traditional Alfredo. Imagine a meal that impresses guests while being completely plant-based! It’s a win-win.

What’s In This Vegan Alfredo Sauce

The ingredients in this Vegan Alfredo Sauce are simple, yet they work together seamlessly to create a creamy, delicious sauce that will elevate any pasta dish. The star players here are the cauliflower and cashews, which blend beautifully to provide a rich texture without the dairy.

• 12 ounces cauliflower florets: These florets are the foundation of the sauce, providing creaminess while being low in calories and high in nutrients.
• ½ cup raw cashews: Soaked and blended, these nuts add a delightful creaminess and a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil: This ingredient adds richness and flavor, rounding out the sauce perfectly.
• ½ cup water: Used to adjust the consistency of the sauce, ensuring it’s smooth and pourable.
• 2 garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings a lovely aroma and robust flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast: This ingredient provides a cheesy flavor and is packed with nutrients like B vitamins.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a slight tang to the sauce.
• Freshly ground black pepper: A finishing touch that elevates the flavors of the sauce.
• 1 (16-ounce) package fettuccine pasta: The perfect pasta to pair with this creamy sauce, though any pasta works!
• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

Directions for Vegan Alfredo Sauce

Making this Vegan Alfredo Sauce is a breeze! Follow these steps to create a creamy, delicious sauce that will impress your family and friends.

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The right amount of salt is key here, as it helps flavor the cauliflower and cashews as they cook. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and raw cashews. Boil them together until the cauliflower is fork-tender, which usually takes about eight minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want them to be soft enough to blend smoothly.
2. Once cooked, drain the cauliflower and cashews and transfer them to a blender. This is where the magic happens! Make sure to add olive oil, water, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, sea salt, Dijon mustard, and several grinds of black pepper into the blender with the drained ingredients. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor that’s essential for this recipe.
3. Blend the mixture until it’s completely creamy. You might need to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is blended evenly. The sauce should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more water or even some of the reserved pasta water later.
4. In a separate large pot, cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package directions, or until it reaches al dente. Don’t forget to add enough salt to the boiling water to flavor the pasta! Once cooked, drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water.
5. Return the drained fettuccine to the pot. Pour the creamy Vegan Alfredo Sauce over the hot pasta, tossing it gently to coat all the strands. The warmth from the pasta will help the sauce adhere beautifully.
6. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency. The sauce should cling to the pasta without being soupy.
7. Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Season to taste with more sea salt and black pepper if needed.
8. Serve immediately, ensuring each plate has a generous amount of sauce and perhaps a bit more parsley for garnish. Enjoy your delicious homemade Vegan Alfredo Sauce!

Variations to Try

There are so many ways to play around with this Vegan Alfredo Sauce! Here are some ideas to inspire your next batch:

• Storage: To store leftovers, keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it if necessary.
• Freezing: You can freeze the sauce for up to a month. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before re-heating.
• Pairing: Serve with your favorite pasta, but don’t stop there! This sauce can also be delicious drizzled over roasted vegetables or used as a dip for breadsticks.
• Herb Infusion: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce before blending. This will give a lovely aromatic quality to your dish.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while blending the sauce or incorporate them into your pasta dish for a spicy kick.

Best Served With

• With Pasta: This sauce shines when served with fettuccine pasta, but it’s equally fantastic with penne, zoodles, or even gluten-free pasta!
• Side Salad: A crisp side salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair this sauce with a medley of roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers for a hearty meal.
• Garlic Bread: What’s better than warm, toasted garlic bread dipped into creamy sauce? It’s a match made in heaven!
• Seasonal Pairings: In the colder months, serve this sauce with roasted root vegetables; in the summer, light zucchini noodles or grilled veggies are perfect.
• Family Gatherings: This dish is wonderful for family dinners, potlucks, or even meatless Mondays, showcasing how delicious plant-based meals can be.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Vegan Alfredo Sauce is not just a fantastic alternative to the traditional recipe but also a delicious and nutritious option that everyone will love. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience how easy and satisfying plant-based cooking can be. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so indulgent!

Vegan Alfredo Sauce

The ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers! This Vegan Alfredo Sauce is creamy, rich, and easy to make, offering a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 ounces Cauliflower florets
• ½ cup Raw cashews
• ¼ cup Extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup Water
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon Sea salt
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (16-ounce) package Fettuccine pasta
• Chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

• Vitamix Blender
• Raw Cashews
• Nutritional Yeast

Method

 

1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The right amount of salt is key here, as it helps flavor the cauliflower and cashews as they cook. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets and raw cashews. Boil them together until the cauliflower is fork-tender, which usually takes about eight minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want them to be soft enough to blend smoothly.
2. Once cooked, drain the cauliflower and cashews and transfer them to a blender. This is where the magic happens! Make sure to add olive oil, water, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, sea salt, Dijon mustard, and several grinds of black pepper into the blender with the drained ingredients. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor that’s essential for this recipe.
3. Blend the mixture until it’s completely creamy. You might need to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is blended evenly. The sauce should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more water or even some of the reserved pasta water later.
4. In a separate large pot, cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package directions, or until it reaches al dente. Don’t forget to add enough salt to the boiling water to flavor the pasta! Once cooked, drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water.
5. Return the drained fettuccine to the pot. Pour the creamy Vegan Alfredo Sauce over the hot pasta, tossing it gently to coat all the strands. The warmth from the pasta will help the sauce adhere beautifully.
6. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency. The sauce should cling to the pasta without being soupy.
7. Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Season to taste with more sea salt and black pepper if needed.
8. Serve immediately, ensuring each plate has a generous amount of sauce and perhaps a bit more parsley for garnish. Enjoy your delicious homemade Vegan Alfredo Sauce!

Notes

To store leftovers, keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.

You can freeze the sauce for up to a month. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before re-heating.

Serve with your favorite pasta, but don't stop there! This sauce can also be delicious drizzled over roasted vegetables or used as a dip for breadsticks.

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce before blending. This will give a lovely aromatic quality to your dish.

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while blending the sauce or incorporate them into your pasta dish for a spicy kick.

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Meet Tessa Gray

I’m the “Poppy” I bring a touch of brightness and artistry to our kitchen. As our head baker, I specialize in wild-yeast sourdough and delicate pastries that use seasonal fruits and edible flowers. While I love baking, I’m also always helping Chloe and Maya cook our savory dishes. I believe every hearty meal deserves a beautiful, sweet finish!