Indulge in the creamy comfort of Dairy-Free Penne Alfredo, a plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite that's perfect for vegans and those avoiding dairy. This recipe combines al dente penne pasta with a velvety, garlic-infused cashew sauce crafted from soaked raw cashews, nutritional yeast, and almond milk, delivering a luscious texture and cheesy flavor without a drop of dairy. Brightened with fresh lemon juice and seasoned to perfection with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, this wholesome dish is as indulgent as it is nourishing. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an ideal weeknight dinner for busy families or anyone seeking a guilt-free comfort food option. Garnish with chopped parsley for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal. Perfect keywords: "Dairy-Free Penne Alfredo," "vegan pasta recipe," "plant-based Alfredo sauce," "easy dairy-free dinner."
Begin by soaking the raw cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes. This will soften them and make the sauce creamier.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a blender, combine the soaked cashews (drained), 1.5 cups of water, nutritional yeast, peeled garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Pour the blended cashew mixture into a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the unsweetened almond milk to the saucepan and stir well.
Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to boil, as this can alter the texture.
Once the sauce has thickened, mix in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring that all the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
Serve the Dairy-Free Penne Alfredo garnished with chopped Italian parsley if desired.
Calories |
2223 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 86.5 g | 111% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2548 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300.1 g | 109% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.0 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 74.9 g | 150% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.2 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 515 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 1924 mg | 41% | |
*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.