Roasted Garlic & Almond Alfredo is a deeply flavorful, nutty vegan sauce with a rich, savory backbone. Blanched almonds create a creamy base when blended, while a whole head of roasted garlic adds sweetness and depth. The result is a bold, aromatic Alfredo that feels indulgent yet remains completely plant-based.
Ingredients
- 1 cup blanched almonds (soaked for 6–8 hours or overnight)
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 1 cup unsweetened plant milk
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
- Reserved pasta water, as needed
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 35–40 minutes, until soft, golden, and caramelized. Allow it to cool, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins.
Step 2: Soak the Almonds
Place blanched almonds in water and soak for at least 6–8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before blending to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
Add soaked almonds, roasted garlic cloves, plant milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to a high-speed blender. Blend for 1–2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to help it blend.
Step 5: Warm the Sauce
Pour the blended sauce into a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently for 3–5 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the rich almond Alfredo sauce. Let it simmer together for 1–2 minutes so the flavors fully develop.
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan. This sauce pairs beautifully with mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or caramelized onions.
Tips for the Best Roasted Garlic & Almond Alfredo
- Roast the garlic until deeply golden for maximum sweetness.
- Soak almonds well to achieve a smooth, non-grainy texture.
- Blend longer than you think—this ensures a silky sauce.
- Add extra roasted garlic for a stronger, bolder flavor.
- Thin with pasta water for a lighter, more pourable sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Roasted Garlic & Almond Alfredo delivers a rich, savory flavor that feels gourmet while still being simple to prepare. The roasted garlic adds natural sweetness, balancing the almonds’ nuttiness for a deeply satisfying vegan pasta sauce perfect for special dinners or elevated weeknight meals.