Description
This creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce combines the sweetness of red bell peppers with the richness of cashews and the savory depth of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist on a classic Italian favorite. Ideal for drizzling over pasta, spaghetti squash, or roasted vegetables, this versatile sauce is both nutritious and bursting with flavor. Its smooth texture and vibrant color make it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that caters to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Ingredients
- 10 oz pasta (or spaghetti squash or vegetables)
- Optional: grilled or roasted veggies (beans, etc.)
Instructions
- Soak Nuts: Place the raw cashews or macadamia nuts in a cereal bowl, cover them with water, and let soak for 6-8 hours. After soaking, drain the nuts completely and pat them dry to prepare for blending.
- Blend the Sauce: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the soaked nuts, red bell pepper, 1/2 cup water, nutritional yeast (or Parmesan cheese), salt, onion powder, ground turmeric, and optional nutmeg. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, creating a creamy sauce.
- Cook Pasta: While preparing the sauce, bring salted water to a boil in a separate pot and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly but do not rinse it, to help the sauce adhere better.
- Heat Sauce: Transfer the blended sauce to a pot and gently heat it over medium heat until it reaches your desired serving temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the warm sauce over the drained pasta, seasoning with additional salt and pepper if preferred. Stir in any optional cooked vegetables or beans to enhance the dish. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Soaking the nuts softens them and ensures a creamy sauce without graininess.
- Roasting the red bell pepper before blending adds a smoky depth to the sauce.
- Use nutritional yeast for a vegan version or Parmesan cheese for a richer, traditional flavor.
- Spaghetti squash or steamed vegetables can be used instead of pasta for a lower-carb option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce, vegan alfredo, dairy-free alfredo, cashew pasta sauce, creamy pasta sauce, healthy italian sauce
