If you are craving a sauce that combines creamy indulgence with the vibrant flavor of sweet red peppers, you’re in for a treat with this Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce. This sauce is a luscious twist on the classic Alfredo, delivering a velvety texture with a gorgeous, natural reddish hue. It balances the richness of cashews with the smoky sweetness of red bell peppers, enriched by the subtle warmth of turmeric and nutmeg. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your pasta night or add a flavorful punch to your veggies, this Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce will quickly become your new kitchen favorite.

Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a sauce that’s creamy, flavorful, and visually stunning. Each element plays a key role, whether it’s building the sauce’s base, adding depth, or enhancing its color and aroma.

Red bell pepper: The star of the show that gives the sauce its sweet, vibrant taste and gorgeous color; you can use raw for brightness or roasted for a smoky depth.
Raw cashews: Soaked to soften, they provide the rich, creamy foundation that makes this sauce luxuriously smooth without dairy.
Water: Helps blend everything to the perfect creamy consistency while keeping the sauce light.
Nutritional yeast: Adds a subtle cheesy flavor and a boost of umami; Parmesan cheese is a delicious alternative if you prefer a dairy option.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing balance to the natural sweetness and earthiness in the sauce.
Onion powder: Gives a gentle aromatic undertone that complements the pepper perfectly.
Ground turmeric: Adds warmth and a hint of earthiness, plus a beautiful golden tint that deepens the sauce’s hue.
Ground nutmeg (optional): A pinch offers a subtle nutty warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Pasta, spaghetti squash, or vegetables: Your canvas for this sauce — the vessel that carries those gorgeous flavors onto your plate.
Optional grilled or roasted veggies or beans: To add texture, nutrition, and extra heartiness to your dish.

How to Make Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Soak the Nuts

Begin by placing your raw cashews in a bowl and covering them with water. Let them soak for 6 to 8 hours to soften fully. This soaking step is essential because it transforms the nuts from gritty to silky smooth, which is the secret behind that rich, dreamy texture in your Alfredo sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Red Bell Pepper

Choose whether you want to use the red bell pepper raw for a fresh, bright flavor or roasted for a smokier, deeper taste. Roasting the pepper adds an incredible complexity but even raw, it’s delightfully sweet and vibrant. Either way, chop it roughly so it blends easier.

Step 3: Blend Everything Together

Drain and pat dry the soaked cashews, then add them to a high-speed blender or food processor along with the red bell pepper, water, nutritional yeast, salt, onion powder, turmeric, and nutmeg (if using). Blend everything until perfectly smooth and creamy — it should coat the back of a spoon without any lumps. This step is where the magic happens, turning humble ingredients into that luscious Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce you’re craving.

Step 4: Heat the Sauce and Prepare the Pasta

Transfer the blended sauce to a pot and gently heat it over medium-low until it reaches your preferred temperature, stirring frequently to keep it silky. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta but avoid rinsing — that way, the sauce sticks beautifully, coating every strand or piece.

Step 5: Combine and Customize

Pour the warm Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce over your cooked pasta and gently toss to combine. This is the perfect moment to mix in any grilled or roasted vegetables, beans, or other tasty add-ins you love. Feel free to adjust salt and pepper to taste, and get ready to indulge in a dish that’s as soul-satisfying as it is colorful.

How to Serve Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce

Garnishes

Some simple garnishes can elevate your Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce to restaurant-level decadence. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds pop and freshness, while toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes bring crunch and a hint of heat. Don’t forget a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness and shine.

Side Dishes

This sauce works beautifully as a feature on your plate, so pairing it with crisp green salads, garlic roasted vegetables, or even a bright citrusy slaw will complement its creamy, sweet profile perfectly. For a heartier meal, roasted chicken or pan-seared tofu are ideal companions that soak up every bit of sauce deliciously.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by swapping traditional pasta for curly spaghetti squash or spiralized zucchini noodles—both allow the Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce to shine without overwhelming your plate. You can also pour it over stuffed bell peppers or use it as a dip for grilled bread, turning this versatile sauce into a star at any meal or gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the sauce fresh and ready to quicken your meal prep on busy nights.

Freezing

If you want to keep the sauce longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you thaw it, you might notice a slight change in texture, but a quick blend or stir while reheating will bring back its creamy perfection.

Reheating

Warm your Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving to preserve its smooth, velvety texture.

FAQs

Can I use roasted red peppers instead of raw in this Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce?

Absolutely! Roasted red peppers add a smoky depth and slightly sweeter flavor to the sauce, which many people adore. Raw peppers give a fresher, brighter profile, so both options work beautifully depending on your mood.

Is the Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce suitable for vegans?

Yes! Using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese makes this sauce completely vegan-friendly without sacrificing that rich, cheesy flavor everyone loves.

Can I substitute cashews with other nuts?

Macadamia nuts are a fantastic alternative as they blend into a creamy texture as well. Other nuts like almonds or walnuts aren’t recommended since they can change the sauce’s flavor and texture significantly.

How spicy is the Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce?

This sauce is naturally mild and creamy, with the sweetness of red peppers taking center stage. However, you can always add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like a little heat.

Can the sauce be used on dishes other than pasta?

Definitely! The Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce is incredibly versatile — try it over roasted vegetables, as a dip for bread, or even drizzled on baked potatoes or grilled tofu for an extra flavor boost.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce, it will become your go-to for easy, flavorful meals that never feel boring. Its creamy texture, beautiful color, and vibrant flavor make it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and you might just discover your next kitchen obsession.

Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 5 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce offers a delicious and healthier twist on the classic Alfredo by using roasted red bell peppers and cashews to create a rich, dairy-free sauce. Perfectly paired with pasta or vegetables, this recipe is both versatile and satisfying, making it a fantastic option for those seeking a flavorful, plant-based meal.

Instructions

Soak the nuts: Place the cashews or macadamia nuts in a cereal bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for 6-8 hours to soften, then drain thoroughly and pat dry with a towel.
Prepare the sauce: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the soaked nuts, red bell pepper, 1/2 cup water, nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese, salt, onion powder, ground turmeric, and optional nutmeg. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Cook the pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly but do not rinse it.
Heat the sauce: Transfer the blended sauce to a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired serving temperature.
Combine and serve: Pour the warm red pepper Alfredo sauce over the drained pasta. Add any optional grilled or roasted vegetables, beans, or other add-ins. Stir everything together gently, season to taste with additional salt and pepper if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Soaking the nuts is essential for a smooth and creamy sauce texture.
Roasting the red bell pepper before blending adds a smoky depth to the sauce.
This sauce can be used as a dip or spread for added versatility.
For a gluten-free option, substitute pasta with gluten-free noodles or spiralized vegetables.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and nutmeg, to enhance flavor.

Prep Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Sauce, Main Dish
Method: Blending and Heating
Cuisine: Italian-inspired