Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Cashew Butter Alfredo: The Ultimate Plant-Based Pasta

Discover the magic of a luscious, dairy-free Alfredo sauce made with steamed cauliflower, creamy cashew butter, and savory nutritional yeast, perfectly paired with vibrant vegetable noodles and green peas for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Ever find yourself wrestling with an oversized head of cauliflower, trying to jam it into an already packed refrigerator drawer? That’s a familiar scene in my household. Shortly after moving into our condo, I quickly realized our main fridge simply wasn’t built for serious plant-based cooking. The solution? A trusty spare fridge in the garage!

Now, this “downstairs sanctuary” is perpetually stocked with an abundance of frozen fruits and vegetables, extra almond milks, kombucha, Dan’s beer, and of course, a steady supply of cauliflower. It doesn’t matter if it’s a tiny florets bag or a massive whole head, cauliflower always seems to take up a disproportionate amount of oddly-shaped space. So, it gets its own special, chilly exile downstairs.

Fetching ingredients from this garage annex has become a ritual. Dan and I often “pull straws” to see whose turn it is to embark on the chilly descent to retrieve the produce. More often than not, you’ll hear a chorus of “Not me!” echoing through the house. But when a dish like this Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Cashew Butter Alfredo is on the menu, everyone is eager to claim victory – no straw-pulling needed!

This delightful plant-based pasta dish is truly a winner, offering a comforting and wholesome meal that’s perfect for transitioning into the cozy embrace of autumn. Its rich, velvety texture and savory flavor make it an instant favorite, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly indulgent and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that makes you forget all about the chore of fridge runs, focusing only on the deliciousness on your plate.

Crafting the Perfect Vegan Alfredo: What You Need

My recent Creamy Cauliflower Dip recipe was such a hit, it inspired me to bring cauliflower back, this time in a deliciously saucy rendition. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: is there anything cauliflower can’t do? This versatile vegetable truly shines as the star ingredient in this plant-based Alfredo sauce. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a rich, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish that’s completely vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, and even oil-free.

The secret to this incredible creaminess lies in the combination of thoroughly steamed cauliflower and rich cashew butter. When blended together, they create a sauce that rivals any traditional dairy-based Alfredo. Cauliflower, with its mild flavor profile, acts as the perfect canvas, absorbing the other seasonings beautifully without overpowering them. It’s surprisingly adept at mimicking the texture of a decadent cream sauce, making it an ideal choice for a healthier, plant-forward alternative.

Cashew butter plays a crucial role by adding a luxurious richness and depth to the sauce, all while keeping it entirely oil-free. It provides healthy fats and an unctuous mouthfeel that makes this Alfredo incredibly satisfying. And what’s Alfredo without a hint of cheesy goodness? Nutritional yeast steps in to deliver that distinctive “cheesy” flavor, bringing an umami punch without a single shred of dairy. This nutritional powerhouse not only enhances the taste but also offers a boost of B vitamins, making this dish even more nourishing.

Honestly, this Alfredo sauce is so good, it almost didn’t make it to the pan for serving! The freshly blended mixture offers the perfect and most appropriate opportunity for “taste testing.” And then, of course, taste testing some more. Don’t be shy about adjusting the seasonings to your liking. A little extra garlic, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or an additional sprinkle of nutritional yeast can truly make this creamy Alfredo sauce your own, tailored perfectly to your palate. Trust me, you’ll want to get every drop of this deliciousness!

The Perfect Pairing: Butternut Shells & Veggie Noodles

During my visit to Expo East, I had the pleasure of sampling Cece’s Veggie Co.’s newest innovation: their delightful Shells & Cheez! These adorable butternut shells, with their charming curly-Q shape, are not only fun to eat but also come with their very own vegan cheese sauce, making them incredibly convenient. From the moment I first laid eyes on them, I knew they would be the absolute perfect match for my creamy, dreamy cauliflower cashew butter Alfredo.

The inherent sweetness of the butternut squash in these shells beautifully complements the nutty cashews and the savory, cheesy notes of the nutritional yeast in the Alfredo sauce. This combination creates a truly unique and irresistible spin on traditional Alfredo, offering a depth of flavor that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a culinary experience that takes a classic concept and elevates it with fresh, plant-based ingredients.

If Cece’s Butternut Shells aren’t available in your local grocery store, don’t fret! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily substitute them with your favorite veggie noodles – think spiralized zucchini for a lighter option, sweet potato noodles for a heartier meal, or even cucumber noodles for a refreshing twist. Alternatively, any gluten-free pasta of your choice will work wonderfully, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delicious dish. Whether you opt for a vibrant vegetable base or a more traditional pasta, this Alfredo is designed for a quick, easy, and satisfying weeknight meal.

To add a vibrant pop of color and a touch of freshness, I love tossing in some green peas. Their sweet, subtle flavor and bright hue make the dish even more appealing. However, if you’re not a “pea-person,” feel free to customize! Cooked brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli florets, or a handful of fresh spinach would all make fantastic additions, boosting the nutritional content and adding textural interest. For those looking to increase the protein, consider stirring in some baked tofu cubes, crumbled tempeh, or hearty chickpeas. These additions not only make the meal more substantial but also contribute to a well-rounded, balanced plate.

Finally, to elevate the flavors even further, I like to serve my Alfredo with a generous pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan for that extra layer of savory, umami goodness. These small touches transform a simple dish into an extraordinary culinary experience, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a wholesome, delicious dinner.

Explore More Delicious Vegan Pasta Recipes

If you’re anything like me, a creamy, satisfying pasta dish is always a welcome addition to the dinner rotation. This Cauliflower Cashew Butter Alfredo is just the beginning of a world of flavorful plant-based pasta possibilities. Whether you’re craving something light and fresh, hearty and comforting, or quick and easy, there’s a vegan pasta recipe out there for you. These dishes prove that you don’t need dairy or meat to create incredible meals that are packed with taste and goodness. Dive into these other favorites from my collection and discover your next go-to plant-based meal:

• Sesame Tahini Soba Noodles

• Veggie Noodles With Lentil Walnut Mushroom Bolognese

• 1-Pot SunButter Pasta

• 1-Pan Tofu Cacciatore With Zoodles

• Spicy Almond Butter Sweet Potato Noodle Bowls

• Butternut Pasta Primavera

• Avocado Tahini Pasta

• Pea Pesto Pasta Salad

• Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Pasta

• Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

• 1-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

• Avocado Collard Greens Pesto Pasta

• Vegetable Pasta Salad

• 1-Bowl Hummus Pasta Salad

• No-Boil Spaghetti Bake

• Creamy Vegan 1-Pot Pasta

I Want to Hear From You! Share Your Creations!

There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing about your culinary adventures. If you try this Cauliflower Cashew Butter Alfredo recipe, I would absolutely love to know! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create delicious, wholesome recipes for you to enjoy.

Please be sure to leave me a comment below, along with a star rating and a review. Your thoughts and experiences are incredibly helpful for both me and other home cooks looking for their next favorite meal. It’s truly wonderful to see how these recipes fit into your kitchen and lifestyle.

Don’t forget to give me a shout on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to share photos of your delicious creations! I love seeing your beautiful dishes and connecting with you there. It’s inspiring to see how you make these recipes your own.

And for even more plant-based inspiration, make sure to check out my Pinterest page. You’ll find a treasure trove of recipes, just like this creamy Alfredo, that you can pin and save to make later. It’s a great way to plan your meals and discover new favorites.

If you’ve loved this post and are eager for more delightful plant-based content, head over to my homepage and subscribe. You’ll get fresh updates and new recipes delivered straight to your inbox, ensuring you never miss out on the latest deliciousness from my kitchen to yours!

XO Lauren

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This post is brought to you by Cece’s Veggie Noodles Co., but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!