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.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper (raw or roasted)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (or macadamia nuts)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (or Parmesan cheese)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Main Dish
- 10 oz pasta (or spaghetti squash or vegetables)
- Optional: grilled or roasted veggies, beans, or other add-ins
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 2.5 oz pasta with sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: red pepper alfredo, dairy-free alfredo, vegan alfredo sauce, creamy pasta sauce, cashew sauce, healthy pasta sauce, vegan pasta sauce
