Indulge in the creamy, peppery perfection of Dairy-Free Cacio e Pepe Pasta, a plant-based twist on the classic Italian dish. This recipe swaps traditional cheese for a luscious blend of cashew cream and nutritional yeast, delivering all the richness and umami without the dairy. With freshly ground black pepper toasted in olive oil and a splash of bright lemon juice, every bite is bursting with bold flavor. Quick and easy, this recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal for pasta lovers looking for a vegan, dairy-free alternative. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and enjoy a comforting bowl of guilt-free indulgence!
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the freshly ground black pepper to the skillet and toast it lightly in the oil for about 30 seconds to enhance its flavor.
Lower the heat and stir in the nutritional yeast, cashew cream, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine and heat the mixture until warmed through and slightly bubbly.
Slowly add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, stirring continuously until a smooth, creamy sauce forms. You may not need all the reserved water; use just enough to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it well to ensure every strand is coated with the creamy sauce.
Season with salt to taste, and adjust the amount of pepper if needed.
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using.
Serve immediately and enjoy this dairy-free delight!
Calories |
1850 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 111.4 g | 143% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.9 g | 104% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2425 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 167.0 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.9 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.4 g | ||
| Protein | 54.8 g | 110% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 145 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 1400 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.