Creamy Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo with Cashew Sauce
Indulge in a rich and creamy vegan fettuccine alfredo that's bound to satisfy your cravings while keeping it plant-based! This delightful dish features whole wheat pasta, perfectly cooked to al dente perfection, coated in a luscious cashew-based sauce made from hearty vegetables like potatoes and onions. With an aromatic blend of garlic, nutritional yeast, and a splash of lemon, this alfredo is as comforting as it is delicious. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a special date night, this vegan version of the classic Italian favorite proves that you don't need dairy to create a truly satisfying dish. Serve it alongside your favorite steamed or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
onion
1 small (peeled and cut into chunks)
red potatoes
2 cups (peeled and cut into chunks)
garlic cloves
4-8 (peeled)
non-dairy milk substitute
1 cup (almond or cashew milks are best)
raw cashews
1/2 cup (soaked for a few hours if possible)
sea salt
4 teaspoons (to taste)
nutritional yeast
2-4 tablespoons (optional)
coconut oil
2/3 cup (melted)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine the chopped onions, red potatoes, and whole garlic cloves. Add enough water to cover the vegetables, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are fork-tender.
2
While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, do not rinse, and keep it covered to remain warm.
3
Once the vegetables are softened, drain the water and transfer the mix to a high-speed blender. Add the non-dairy milk, raw cashews, sea salt, nutritional yeast (if using), coconut oil, lemon juice, and black pepper.
4
Blend the mixture on high-speed until completely smooth and creamy. Use the Soup setting if available for a perfectly emulsified sauce.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta with the cashew sauce. Toss thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy alfredo sauce.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with your choice of steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus for an enhanced meal experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main base of this vegan Alfredo sauce?
The sauce is primarily made from a blend of raw cashews, boiled red potatoes, and onions.
Is this recipe entirely plant-based?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan and dairy-free.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 16 ounces of whole wheat fettuccine pasta.
How long should I cook the vegetables for the sauce?
Simmer the onions, potatoes, and garlic for about 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
Do I need to soak the cashews before blending?
Yes, soaking the raw cashews for a few hours is recommended to achieve the smoothest texture.
What kind of non-dairy milk is best for the cashew sauce?
Almond or cashew milks are suggested as the best non-dairy substitutes for this dish.
Is nutritional yeast a required ingredient?
Nutritional yeast is optional, but it helps provide a cheesy flavor to the Alfredo sauce.
Should I rinse the pasta after draining?
No, do not rinse the pasta; keep it covered and warm until you are ready to toss it with the sauce.
What is the best way to blend the sauce?
Use a high-speed blender on the highest setting, or the Soup setting if available, for a perfectly emulsified result.
What type of potatoes are used in the sauce?
Two cups of peeled and chunked red potatoes are used to add heartiness and creaminess.
How much garlic is included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 to 8 peeled garlic cloves, depending on your flavor preference.
Can I substitute the whole wheat pasta?
While whole wheat is recommended for health, you can use any pasta of your choice, including gluten-free options.
What purpose does the lemon juice serve?
The two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice provide a bright acidity that balances the richness of the cashews.
How much coconut oil is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of melted coconut oil to add a rich, smooth mouthfeel.
What are some recommended garnishes for this dish?
Steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus make excellent garnishes and side vegetables.
How do I prepare the onion for the sauce?
One small onion should be peeled and cut into chunks before boiling with the potatoes.
How many ingredients are in this vegan Alfredo recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, its rich and creamy nature makes it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or date nights.
What should the texture of the pasta be?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it.
How much salt is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of sea salt, though you can adjust this to your taste.
Do I boil the garlic with the other vegetables?
Yes, the garlic cloves are boiled along with the potatoes and onions until softened.
Can I make this recipe without a high-speed blender?
A high-speed blender is best for smoothness, but a regular blender can work if you blend for a longer duration.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is combining onions, potatoes, and garlic in a saucepan and boiling them until tender.
Is black pepper included in the sauce?
Yes, one teaspoon of black pepper is blended into the sauce for flavor.
Should the pasta be warm when mixing with the sauce?
Yes, you should combine the warm pasta with the warm cashew sauce for the best consistency.
How do I ensure the sauce is evenly distributed?
Toss the pasta and sauce thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until every strand is coated.
Does this recipe contain dairy cheese?
No, it contains no dairy; the cheesy flavor comes from nutritional yeast and aromatic ingredients.
How do I prepare the red potatoes?
The red potatoes should be peeled and cut into chunks before being measured to 2 cups.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and satisfying plant-based version of a classic Italian favorite.
What is the final serving suggestion for this meal?
Serve it immediately after tossing to ensure the sauce remains creamy and the pasta stays warm.