This Silken Tofu Alfredo is a creamy, high-protein vegan pasta sauce made with simple ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes. It’s smooth, light, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 14 oz silken tofu
- 3 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ cup unsweetened plant milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce ingredients
Peel the garlic cloves and gather all sauce ingredients. This helps everything blend quickly and smoothly in the next step.
Step 3: Blend the Alfredo sauce
Add silken tofu, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, plant milk, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into a blender.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining. Scrape down the sides if needed and blend again for best texture.
Step 4: Heat the sauce
Pour the blended sauce into a large skillet over medium-low heat.
Stir continuously for 3–5 minutes until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened. Do not let it boil.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra plant milk.
Step 5: Combine with pasta
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.
Toss well until every piece is fully coated. Let it cook together for 1–2 minutes so the flavors blend.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Serve hot with cracked black pepper, fresh parsley, or vegan parmesan.
Optional add-ins: sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas.
Tips for the Best Silken Tofu Alfredo
- Use silken tofu only for a creamy, smooth texture
- Blend thoroughly for a restaurant-style sauce
- Add roasted garlic for deeper flavor
- Adjust thickness using pasta water
- A pinch of nutmeg gives a classic Alfredo taste
Why This Recipe Works
Silken tofu creates a naturally creamy base without oil or nuts, while nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, savory flavor. The result is a quick, affordable, and protein-rich vegan Alfredo that feels indulgent but stays light and healthy