Dairy-Free Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of this Dairy-Free Pasta with Cheese Sauce—a plant-based twist on a classic favorite! Perfect for those seeking a lactose-free or vegan alternative, this recipe uses soaked raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and unsweetened almond milk to create a luscious, velvety cheese sauce with just the right balance of savory and tangy notes, thanks to a hint of garlic, onion powder, and fresh lemon juice. The sauce comes together effortlessly in a blender, then thickens beautifully in a saucepan before enveloping your choice of pasta—gluten-free options welcome! Ready in just 30 minutes, this dairy-free delight is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, and a sprinkle of paprika adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether you're catering to dietary needs or simply craving a wholesome, cheesy dish with a twist, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Pasta (gluten-free if desired)
- 1 cup Raw cashews
- 1 cup Nutritional yeast
- 1.5 cups Unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Begin by soaking the raw cashews in hot water for about 15 minutes to soften them. This will make blending easier and result in a smoother sauce.
While the cashews are soaking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender along with the nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Blend the mixture until completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop the blender occasionally to scrape down the sides.
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the cashew cream sauce and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until heated through and thickened to a sauce-like consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and toss to coat evenly with the cheese sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1392 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.7 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.0 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1444 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 156.8 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.3 g | ||
| Protein | 50.7 g | 101% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 717 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 14.3 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 1417 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.
