If you’ve been craving a creamy, indulgent pasta sauce but want to keep things plant-based and healthy, look no further than this Alfredo Garlic Sauce Vegan Recipe. Traditional Alfredo sauce can be heavy on dairy, but this version delivers the same rich, velvety texture using wholesome, vegan-friendly ingredients.
It’s perfect for drizzling over your favorite pasta, roasted veggies, or even as a dip for crusty bread. The best part?
It’s quick and easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new and delicious, this sauce brings comforting garlic flavor and luscious creaminess without any animal products. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Ready to transform your meals? Let’s dive into the details of this fantastic vegan Alfredo garlic sauce that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan Alfredo garlic sauce is a game-changer for anyone who loves creamy pasta dishes but wants to avoid dairy. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand, including soaked cashews, garlic, and nutritional yeast.
The sauce is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences.
Unlike traditional Alfredo sauces, this recipe is light on calories but still indulgent in flavor, thanks to the savory garlic and a hint of tang from lemon juice. It’s a perfect fit for those following a vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diet without compromising on that classic creamy texture.
Also, it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes—from pasta and casseroles to steamed vegetables and grain bowls. If you enjoy recipes like our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners, you’ll find this sauce easy to customize and even more delicious.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Raw cashews (soaked) | 1 cup |
Water (for blending) | 1 to 1 1/4 cups |
Garlic cloves | 3 large, minced |
Nutritional yeast | 1/4 cup |
Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground |
Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or oat) | 1/4 cup (optional, for thinning) |
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Bowl for soaking cashews
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to soften. For quicker prep, soak in boiling water for 15 minutes. Drain before using.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will develop a bitter taste.
- Blend the sauce: In your blender or food processor, add the soaked cashews, sautéed garlic (with oil), nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, pepper, onion powder, and 1 cup of water. Blend on high until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add more water or plant milk little by little to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Give the sauce a taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your preference. If you want a slightly tangier sauce, add an extra splash of lemon juice.
- Warm the sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and gently heat on low-medium, stirring frequently until warmed through. This step helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly. Avoid boiling to prevent separation.
- Serve: Pour the Alfredo garlic sauce over cooked pasta, steamed vegetables, or use it as a dip. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For an even silkier sauce, soak the cashews overnight in cold water. This helps them blend more easily and creates an ultra-smooth texture.
Variation: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky or spicy kick. You can also toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a nutrient boost.
If you want to experiment, swap out cashews for blanched almonds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. For more creamy vegan sauce ideas, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Fat | 14 g |
Saturated Fat | 2 g |
Carbohydrates | 10 g |
Fiber | 1.5 g |
Protein | 5 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan Alfredo garlic sauce is a versatile superstar in the kitchen. Pour it over your favorite pasta for a quick, comforting meal.
It’s excellent with fettuccine, penne, or even spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Try it as a creamy drizzle over roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus. It also makes a fantastic base for vegan casseroles or as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or crispy tofu bites.
For a complete meal idea, combine this sauce with sautéed mushrooms and spinach tossed with pasta, or pair it with our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners. Your taste buds will thank you!
Conclusion
This Alfredo Garlic Sauce Vegan Recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional creamy sauces. Using simple ingredients like cashews, garlic, and nutritional yeast, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
The sauce strikes the perfect balance of creamy richness and bright garlic notes, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Whether you’re a vegan veteran or simply looking for ways to add more plant-based meals to your week, this sauce offers comfort food vibes without compromise. Plus, it’s adaptable and pairs wonderfully with a variety of pasta, veggies, and more.
For other delightful vegan recipes to complement your cooking, explore our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or homemade breads like the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Enjoy creating and savoring this creamy, garlicky vegan Alfredo sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite!
📖 Recipe Card: Alfredo Garlic Sauce Vegan Recipe
Description: A creamy and flavorful vegan Alfredo garlic sauce made with cashews and plant-based milk. Perfect for pasta or as a dipping sauce.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20 minutes)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
- In a blender, combine cashews, almond milk, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Pour the sauce into the pan and cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm over pasta.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 8g | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 12g
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