Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta is a luscious, dairy-free twist on a classic Italian favorite. Featuring a vibrant red bell pepper and a nut-based creamy sauce, this recipe offers a rich and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. The sauce is blended to perfection and combined with perfectly cooked pasta, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat. Optional grilled or roasted veggies and beans add extra texture and protein, customizing the dish to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 6-8 hours soaking time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Alfredo Sauce
- 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)
For the Pasta
- 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 with water. Let them soak for 6-8 hours to soften, then drain fully and pat dry with a towel to prepare for blending.
- Prepare 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 nutmeg. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, creating a luscious Alfredo sauce.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta completely without rinsing to preserve the sauce adherence.
- Heat the sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a pot and gently heat it over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired serving temperature. Be careful not to scorch the sauce.
- Combine and serve: Pour the warmed sauce over the drained pasta and stir to coat evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Mix in any optional grilled or roasted vegetables, beans, or other add-ins to enhance the dish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Soaking nuts overnight is essential for a smooth sauce texture.
- You can roast the red bell pepper beforehand for a smoky flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Keywords: Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo, dairy-free Alfredo sauce, vegan pasta sauce, cashew Alfredo, healthy pasta recipes, plant-based pasta sauce
Find it online: https://islawhite.com/creamy-red-pepper-alfredo-pasta-recipe/
