Vegan Recipes

Creamy Vegan Alfredo Pasta: A Rich and Delicious Dish

Cooking Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings:

  • Serves 4

This Creamy Vegan Alfredo Pasta is a rich and delicious dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Made with a creamy cashew-based sauce and served over your favorite pasta, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delightful dish!

Ingredients:

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 1 cup of raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes
  • 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk)
  • 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Pasta:

  • 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups of sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cups of fresh spinach
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Vegan Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

  1. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews.
  2. In a high-speed blender, combine the cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg (if using).
  3. Blend on high until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they are tender and browned.
  4. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

  1. Reduce the heat to low and pour the prepared Alfredo sauce into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
  2. Stir well to combine and heat the sauce through.
  3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Serve the creamy Alfredo pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and vegan Parmesan cheese if desired.
  2. Enjoy this rich and comforting dish!

Tips and Variations:

  • Extra Protein: Add some cooked chickpeas or grilled tofu for added protein.
  • Different Greens: Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a different flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.

This Creamy Vegan Alfredo Pasta is a wonderful way to enjoy a rich and delicious meal that’s easy to make. Perfect for any occasion, this pasta is sure to become a favorite in your vegan recipe collection. Enjoy the creamy and satisfying flavors of this delightful dish. Happy cooking!