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Creamy Cashew Alfredo Pasta

This dish is a dreamy, creamy pasta that’s not only rich but also nourishing, thanks to the wholesome goodness of cashews. I adore how it feels indulgent without the heaviness of traditional Alfredo sauce.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 30 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: easy
Creamy Cashew Alfredo Pasta - Vegan recipe hero image

I remember the first time I made this creamy cashew Alfredo pasta—it was a rainy day, and all I wanted was something warm and comforting.

I soaked some cashews and whipped up a sauce that made my heart sing!

It's such a simple recipe, but it has this magical way of making any day feel special.

Plus, it's so versatile; you can add your favorite veggies or proteins to it!

What Makes This Recipe Special

  • Made with simple, plant-based ingredients that are easy to find
  • No animal products - completely vegan and cruelty-free
  • Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike
  • Delicious results that everyone will love, vegan or not

Ingredients & Substitutions

I love using raw cashews here because they blend up to be so silky and rich. If you're nut-free, sunflower seeds can be a good substitute, though the flavor will be a bit different. Nutritional yeast gives that cheesy flavor without any coconut cream—it's a game changer!

Tips & Notes

  • If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce—it really brings out the creaminess!
  • I keep my soaked cashews in the fridge for a few days so I can whip this up whenever the craving strikes!

Recipe Variations

  • Sometimes, I'll add a bit of fresh basil or spinach to the sauce for a pop of color and extra nutrients.
  • If I’m feeling a bit adventurous, I’ll throw in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist!

Storage & Freezing

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or plant milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You might need to add a splash of water to loosen it up when you reheat.

What can I add to the pasta?

I love adding sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also toss in some cooked chickpeas or lentils for added protein!

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This dish is a dreamy, creamy pasta that’s not only rich but also nourishing, thanks to the wholesome goodness of cashews. I adore how it feels indulgent without the heaviness of traditional Alfredo sauce.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 30 min
Servings: 4
Difficulty: easy
Scale Recipe:

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    First, drain and rinse your soaked cashews. This helps remove any bitterness and makes them super creamy when blended.

  2. 2

    In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy—this might take a minute or two, so be patient!

  3. 3

    While your sauce is blending, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente.

  4. 4

    Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.

  5. 5

    In the same pot, return the drained pasta and pour in the creamy cashew sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce if needed.

  6. 6

    Toss everything together over low heat until warmed through, adding more pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.

  7. 7

    Serve your creamy cashew Alfredo pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy every bite!

#comfort food#creamy#pasta#vegan#whole-food-plant-based

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