Creamy Vegetarian Alfredo Pasta Recipe

This creamy vegetarian Alfredo pasta is a delightful dish that’s rich, comforting, and easy to prepare. Made with a luscious sauce that combines the flavors of garlic, nutritional yeast, and cashews, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine or rigatoni pasta (or pasta of your choice)
• 1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Additional nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

1. Prepare the Cashew Sauce:

• Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a high-speed blender. Add the almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

1. Sauté Aromatics:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

1. Combine Sauce and Pasta:

• Pour the creamy cashew sauce into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to combine and heat through for about 2–3 minutes.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce.

1. Serve:

• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and color.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked chickpeas or lentils for extra protein.
• Spice It Up: For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

This creamy vegetarian Alfredo pasta is not only quick to make but also incredibly satisfying! The combination of cashews and nutritional yeast creates a rich sauce that rivals traditional Alfredo while being completely dairy-free. Enjoy this delicious dish as a comforting meal any night of the week!