Elevate your weeknight dinner with this creamy and indulgent Vegan Penne Alfredo, a plant-based twist on the classic Italian comfort food. Featuring a velvety, dairy-free Alfredo sauce made from soaked cashews, almond milk, and nutritional yeast, this recipe offers all the rich, luxurious flavor without the guilt. Aromatic garlic, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil create a balanced, savory profile, while fresh parsley adds a vibrant finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this wholesome dish is perfect for busy evenings and pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread. Whether you're already vegan or simply curious about plant-based eating, this penne Alfredo is sure to impress your taste buds with its creamy textures and bold flavors.
Soak the cashews in hot water for 10-15 minutes to soften them.
Meanwhile, bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a blender, combine soaked and drained cashews, olive oil, garlic cloves, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth, adding more almond milk if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
Transfer the blended sauce to a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and is heated through, about 5 minutes.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or pepper according to your preference.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Calories |
2302 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 86.7 g | 111% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2636 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 321.6 g | 117% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.7 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.4 g | ||
| Protein | 68.5 g | 137% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.9 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 764 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 23.1 mg | 128% | |
| Potassium | 1847 mg | 39% | |
*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.