Instant Pot Vegan Alfredo Sauce: Quick, Creamy, and Dreamy!

This Instant Pot Vegan Alfredo Sauce is the perfect solution for a creamy, dairy-free pasta sauce that’s rich and comforting. Made with cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, and a few other simple ingredients, this sauce comes together in just a few minutes in your Instant Pot, making it an easy weeknight meal or a delicious addition to your favorite pasta dishes.

Instant Pot Vegan Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for at least 4 hours or use quick soak method*)
1 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth (for a richer flavor)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a bit of tang)
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for thicker sauce)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cashews:

If you’ve soaked the cashews ahead of time, drain and rinse them. If you’re short on time, place the cashews in a bowl and cover them with hot water for 15 minutes, then drain.

2. Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot:

Add the soaked cashews, water or vegetable broth, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the Instant Pot. If you’re using cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a thicker sauce, add it at this stage as well.

3. Cook the Sauce:

Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to Manual (High Pressure) for 5 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.

4. Blend the Sauce:

Open the Instant Pot lid, and use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add a bit more water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.

5. Adjust Seasoning:

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.

6. Serve:

Pour the creamy alfredo sauce over your favorite pasta, roasted vegetables, or use it as a creamy drizzle for pizza. Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Tips:

Add Protein: You can add cooked chickpeas or tofu for extra protein in the sauce.
Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Just be sure to whisk it in properly.
Flavor Variations: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
For a Richer Taste: If you’d like a more decadent sauce, you can swap half of the water for coconut milk.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Vegan Alfredo Sauce:

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal effort, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
Creamy & Rich: Cashews create a luxurious, creamy texture without any dairy.
Customizable: You can adjust the flavors and consistency to match your personal preferences.
Vegan & Gluten-Free: This sauce is completely plant-based and gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary needs.

This Instant Pot Vegan Alfredo Sauce will have you skipping store-bought sauces and making your own delicious, creamy, and dairy-free version in no time. Enjoy it with pasta, veggies, or even as a dip for bread, your taste buds will thank you!