VEGAN ALFREDO PASTA
Vegan Alfredo Pasta is a silky-smooth, dairy-free alternative to the beloved creamy pasta classic. This single-serving dish combines soaked cashews, garlic, plant milk and nutritional yeast to form a luscious sauce that perfectly coats your favourite pasta. It’s rich, flavourful and incredibly satisfying without a drop of cream or cheese. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a quiet evening or need a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste, this recipe delivers with minimal effort and maximum flavour. The combination of ingredients creates a creamy texture and umami richness that mimics traditional Alfredo while keeping it light and plant-based. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as part of a romantic meal, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create gourmet-level results. It is a perfect go-to for comfort food lovers seeking a wholesome vegan twist.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Boil, Simmer
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Valentines Day, Spring, Fall, Easter, Graduation
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Healthy, High Fibre, Low Fat, Quick & Easy
DISH TYPE
Pasta
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Vegan Alfredo Pasta:
- 1 cup cooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp soaked cashews
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 376.4 kcal
- Fat: 10.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Carbohydrate: 55.1 g
- Sugar: 2.8 g
- Sodium: 51.6 mg
- Fiber: 7.5 g
- Protein: 19.8 g
- Calcium: 139.9 mg
- Iron: 2.8 mg
- Potassium: 229.3 mg
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Vegan Alfredo Pasta:
- Soak Cashews: Soak cashews in hot water for 15 minutes to soften. Drain before blending.
- Cook Pasta: Boil your pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Blend Sauce: In a blender, combine soaked cashews, garlic, plant milk, and nutritional yeast. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the sauce into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until warm and slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until evenly coated. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 more minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
- Serve: Transfer to a bowl and garnish with black pepper or chopped herbs if desired. Serve immediately.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Vegan Alfredo Pasta:
- Creamier Texture: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra plant milk if the sauce is too thick.
- Flavour Boost: Include a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg for depth.
- Quick Soak Hack: Boil cashews for 5 minutes instead of soaking if you’re short on time.
- Blender Tip: Use a high-speed blender to achieve a velvety smooth sauce.
VARIATIONS
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli for added nutrients.
- Protein Boost: Top with crispy tofu cubes or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace cashews with sunflower seeds or silken tofu for a similar creamy result.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to cater for wheat sensitivities or coeliac diets.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of plant milk before reheating to revive the sauce.
- Freezer: The sauce can be frozen separately for up to 1 month. Defrost in the fridge overnight and re-blend before using.
- Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch of sauce and keep portions in the fridge for quick pasta meals throughout the week.