Secret to the best Dairy Free Alfredo Sauce (5 ingredients)
Craving creamy pasta? Make this easy Dairy Free Alfredo Sauce! A rich, healthy, and vegan recipe you'll love. Discover the secret ingredient.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup raw cashews unsalted, soaked in hot water for 15-20 minutes or cold water for 4+ hours, then drained
- 1.5 cups unsweetened plant-based milk almond, oat, or soy milk work best
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
- 2-3 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness
- ¼ cup water plus more as needed for blending
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice cooked according to package directions
Instructions
- Prepare Cashews: If not already done, place the raw cashews in a heat-proof bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for at least 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, soak them in cold water for 4+ hours or overnight. Drain the cashews thoroughly before use.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Blend the Sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the drained cashews, unsweetened plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, peeled garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and 1/4 cup of fresh water. Blend on high until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. This may take 1-2 minutes, occasionally stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more plant milk or reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
- Heat and Combine: Transfer the creamy dairy-free Alfredo sauce to a large saucepan. Heat the sauce gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it is warmed through. Add the cooked and drained pasta directly into the saucepan with the sauce. Toss the pasta to ensure it is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve: Serve your Dairy-Free Alfredo immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or vegan parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy this rich, creamy, and healthy vegan pasta!
Notes
Quick Soak Tip: For the quickest results, always use boiling water to soak your cashews. If you have more time, soaking them in cold water overnight will also yield excellent results.
Storage: Leftover Dairy-Free Alfredo sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; simply add a splash of water or plant milk when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave to restore its creamy texture.
Variations: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to your pasta for an added layer of flavor and nutrients. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice subtle kick!
Storage: Leftover Dairy-Free Alfredo sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; simply add a splash of water or plant milk when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave to restore its creamy texture.
Variations: Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to your pasta for an added layer of flavor and nutrients. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice subtle kick!
