Cashew Cream Alfredo is one of the most popular vegan alternatives to traditional Alfredo sauce, thanks to its rich, velvety texture and mild flavor. Soaked raw cashews blend into an incredibly creamy base that closely mimics dairy-based sauces, while garlic and nutritional yeast add savory depth. This simple plant-based sauce is perfect for pasta, vegetables, and grain bowls.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4–6 hours or overnight
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup unsweetened plant milk
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 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: Soak the Cashews
Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, pour boiling water over the cashews and let them soak for 20–30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 3: Blend the Alfredo Sauce
Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. Add them to a high-speed blender along with the garlic, plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend for 1–2 minutes, or until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Warm the Sauce
Pour the blended sauce into a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously for 3–5 minutes as the sauce thickens slightly. If it becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Toss with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce. Allow everything to cook together for an additional minute so the flavors can meld.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately with freshly cracked black pepper, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan. Pair with sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Cashew Cream Alfredo
- Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- Soaking the cashews thoroughly helps eliminate any graininess.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more plant milk or pasta water.
- Add roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
- Include a pinch of nutmeg for a classic Alfredo-style finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cashew Cream Alfredo delivers everything people love about traditional Alfredo sauce—richness, creaminess, and comforting flavor—without any dairy. It’s easy to make, packed with plant-based ingredients, and versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions.