Description
This Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta combines the sweetness of red bell peppers with a rich, nut-based sauce for a deliciously smooth and flavorful plant-based pasta dish. Featuring cashews or macadamia nuts blended with nutritional yeast and spices, this recipe offers a dairy-free twist on traditional Alfredo, perfect for a comforting yet healthy meal.
Ingredients
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, etc.
Instructions
- Soak the Nuts: Place the raw cashews or macadamia nuts in a cereal bowl and cover them completely with water. Allow to soak for 6 to 8 hours to soften the nuts, which will help create a creamy texture in the sauce. After soaking, drain the nuts thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the soaked nuts, red bell pepper (either raw or roasted), nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese, salt, onion powder, ground turmeric, ground nutmeg if using, and 1/2 cup of water. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly but do not rinse it, to allow the sauce to adhere well.
- Heat the Sauce: Transfer the blended sauce to a pot and gently heat over medium-low heat until it reaches your desired temperature. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the warm sauce over the cooked pasta and toss gently to coat evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir in any optional grilled or roasted vegetables, beans, or other add-ins to enhance the dish, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Soaking the nuts is essential for achieving a smooth, creamy sauce texture; do not skip this step.
- Roasting the red bell pepper before blending will give a deeper, smokier flavor, but using it raw yields a fresher taste.
- To make this dish vegan, opt for nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Spices like turmeric and nutmeg add warmth and color to the sauce but can be adjusted or omitted according to preference.
- For a lower-carb option, substitute pasta with spaghetti squash or spiralized vegetables.
