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Red Pepper Cashew Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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4 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy vegetarian red pepper Alfredo sauce is a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional Alfredo, made using red bell peppers, nuts, and nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spaghetti squash, or roasted vegetables, it delivers rich taste and texture without dairy. The sauce blends easily in a food processor or high-speed blender and is warmed on the stovetop, making it ideal for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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)

Additional Ingredients

  • 10 oz pasta or spaghetti squash or vegetables
  • Optional grilled or roasted veggies, beans, etc.

Instructions

  1. Soak Nuts: Place the cashews or macadamia nuts in a cereal bowl, cover them with water, and allow them to soak for 6-8 hours to soften. After soaking, drain the nuts completely and pat them dry to ensure a creamy texture in the sauce.
  2. Blend Sauce: Add the soaked nuts, red bell pepper, half cup water, nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese, salt, onion powder, turmeric, and nutmeg (if using) into a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend everything until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, resembling a traditional Alfredo sauce.
  3. Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta fully but do not rinse, as the starch helps the sauce adhere better.
  4. Heat Sauce: Transfer the blended sauce to a pot and gently heat on the stovetop until it reaches your preferred serving temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
  5. Combine & Serve: Pour the warm red pepper Alfredo sauce over the cooked pasta or your choice of spaghetti squash or vegetables. Stir well to coat evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Mix in any optional grilled or roasted vegetables, beans, or other add-ins to enhance flavor and texture before serving.

Notes

  • Soaking the nuts overnight ensures a creamy texture and improves digestibility.
  • You can roast the red bell pepper beforehand for a smokier flavor or use it raw for a fresher taste.
  • Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative to Parmesan cheese.
  • Use gluten-free pasta or vegetables to adapt this recipe for gluten sensitivities.
  • This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if it thickens.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, after blending and heating.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian American

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/red-pepper-cashew-alfredo-sauce-recipe/