Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Fettuccine
Indulge in this delightful, creamy vegan fettuccine made from wholesome ingredients. The sauce, created from roasted cauliflower, offers a unique twist on the traditional Alfredo flavor while providing a light yet satisfying texture. Enhanced with savory notes from nutritional yeast, garlic, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, this dish presents a beautiful balance of creaminess and freshness. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this vegan fettuccine Alfredo is sure to impress everyone at the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cauliflower
1 (small head, cut into florets)
onion
1 (sliced)
olive oil
4 (tablespoons, divided)
garlic
3 (cloves, finely minced)
vegan cream cheese
2 (tablespoons)
vegetable broth
300 (ml)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
soy sauce or miso
1 (teaspoon)
apple cider vinegar
1 (teaspoon)
nutritional yeast
3 (tablespoons)
black pepper
(to taste)
dried fettuccine pasta
12 (ounces, check for eggless option)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the cauliflower into medium florets, drizzle with olive oil, and roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes or until golden and tender.
2
While the cauliflower is roasting, heat the remaining olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until softened and lightly caramelized, around 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
3
Once the cauliflower is roasted, transfer it to a blender along with the sautéed onion and garlic, vegan cream cheese, vegetable broth, salt, soy sauce (or miso), apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with additional vegetable broth if necessary.
4
Cook the dried fettuccine pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and return it to the pot.
5
Pour the creamy cauliflower sauce over the drained fettuccine, and toss well to combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper as needed.
6
Divide the creamy pasta among bowls, drizzling with a little extra olive oil. Serve immediately and enjoy the luscious flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Fettuccine?
It is a plant-based alternative to traditional fettuccine Alfredo that uses roasted cauliflower, nutritional yeast, and vegan cream cheese to create a rich and creamy sauce.
Is this recipe entirely dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe uses vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of traditional dairy products like heavy cream or parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the cauliflower for the sauce?
Cut one small head of cauliflower into medium florets, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.
How do I caramelize the onions for this recipe?
Sauté sliced onions in olive oil over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes until they are softened and lightly caramelized.
What makes the sauce creamy without dairy?
The combination of roasted cauliflower, vegan cream cheese, and vegetable broth blended together creates a silky smooth and creamy texture.
Can I use miso instead of soy sauce?
Yes, the recipe allows for either one teaspoon of soy sauce or miso to provide a savory umami depth to the sauce.
What is the purpose of nutritional yeast in this dish?
Nutritional yeast adds a savory, slightly cheesy flavor that mimics the profile of traditional parmesan cheese.
How much vegetable broth should I use?
The recipe calls for 300 ml of vegetable broth, though you can add a bit more if you prefer a thinner sauce consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, all ingredients are plant-based, but ensure your dried fettuccine is an eggless variety to keep the dish strictly vegan.
How long does it take to cook the onions and garlic?
The onions take about 15 minutes to caramelize, and the garlic should be added for the final minute of sautéing until fragrant.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius for roasting the cauliflower.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the fettuccine with your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or miso.
What can I use to adjust the sauce consistency?
If the sauce is too thick after blending, you can adjust it by adding small amounts of additional vegetable broth until it reaches your desired smoothness.
How should I serve the Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Fettuccine?
Divide the pasta into bowls, toss thoroughly with the sauce, and finish with a drizzle of extra olive oil and a pinch of black pepper.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Because this recipe is plant-based and uses no animal products, it is naturally cholesterol-free.
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
While fresh is recommended for the best roasted flavor, frozen cauliflower can be used if thawed and patted dry before roasting.
What type of vinegar is used in the sauce?
One teaspoon of apple cider vinegar is used to add a subtle brightness and balance the richness of the cauliflower.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced, to provide a robust flavor to the sauce base.
Can I store leftovers of this pasta?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
How much pasta does this recipe require?
The recipe uses 12 ounces of dried fettuccine pasta.
Can I freeze the cauliflower sauce?
Yes, the blended sauce can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and whisk well before tossing with fresh pasta.
Is this a healthy alternative to Alfredo?
Yes, it is a lighter, nutrient-dense version that uses cauliflower as a base instead of heavy butter and cream.
What oil is best for roasting the cauliflower?
Olive oil is recommended for its flavor and high smoke point during the roasting process.
How do I ensure the sauce is perfectly smooth?
Using a high-speed blender to combine the roasted cauliflower with the liquids and seasonings will yield the best results.
Can I add other vegetables?
Certainly! Peas, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli would make excellent additions to this creamy pasta dish.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The sauce includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but you should also salt your pasta boiling water generously.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 12 primary ingredients used in this Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Fettuccine recipe.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While fettuccine is traditional for this sauce, it works well with linguine, spaghetti, or even short shapes like penne.
What gives the sauce its golden color?
The golden hue comes from roasting the cauliflower florets and the addition of nutritional yeast.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, it is a kid-friendly way to incorporate more vegetables into a comforting and familiar meal.