How to Make the Perfect Vegan Alfredo Pasta
Italian · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
This creamy vegan alfredo pasta uses cashews and nutritional yeast to create a rich and indulgent sauce that rivals the classic version. It is a completely plant-based dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Vegan Alfredo Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 520 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup raw cashews soaked 2 hours
- 3 cloves garlic
- 4 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1.5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with garlic, nutritional yeast, vegetable broth, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend on high for 2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Heat the Sauce
Pour the blended cashew sauce into a large skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to reach your desired consistency, then serve immediately with extra nutritional yeast on top.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- raw cashews → silken tofu blended smooth for a lower fat option
- fettuccine pasta → gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not soaking cashews long enough which results in a grainy sauce
- Adding too much pasta water at once making the sauce too thin
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 520 calories, 18g protein, 72g carbs, 18g fat, 4g fiber.
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