Indulge in a bowl of creamy goodness with our delightful Creamy Vegan Alfredo with Vegetables! This Italian-inspired dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a guilt-free treat that will leave you craving more. Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked fettuccine, enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from wholesome ingredients. With just 35 minutes of your time, you can whip up a meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, etc.)
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the cashews in water for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This will help soften them for blending and create a creamier texture.
- Once the cashews are soaked, drain and rinse them under cold water.
- In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, vegetable broth, garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is well combined.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference. Set the creamy sauce aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or a small amount of oil. Once hot, add the mixed vegetables (such as broccoli and bell peppers) and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still vibrant in color.
- Add the creamy cashew sauce to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, stirring well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Gently fold the cooked fettuccine into the skillet with the sauce and vegetables, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If desired, adjust the seasoning one last time.
- Serve the creamy vegan Alfredo hot, garnished with additional nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Soak Cashews for Creaminess: For the best texture, soak your cashews for at least 2 hours or overnight. This softens them, making it easier to blend into a smooth sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce: Don’t hesitate to tweak the flavor of your creamy sauce! Taste it before mixing with the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your palate.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save a bit of the pasta cooking water. This starchy liquid is perfect for thinning out the sauce and helping it cling to the fettuccine.
- Sauté Vegetables Just Right: When cooking your mixed vegetables, aim for a tender-crisp texture. This keeps them vibrant and adds a lovely crunch to your dish.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Elevate your dish by garnishing with additional nutritional yeast or fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the presentation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
