Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce Recipe
This vibrant Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce offers a creamy, dairy-free twist on the classic Italian favorite. Made with roasted or raw red bell peppers, cashews, and nutritional yeast, it’s a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for tossing with pasta, spaghetti squash, or roasted veggies. The sauce combines wholesome ingredients to create a smooth, slightly nutty Alfredo that’s both satisfying and nutritious, ideal for those seeking a plant-based or lower-fat alternative.
- Prep Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 10 oz pasta (or spaghetti squash or vegetables)
- Optional: grilled or roasted veggies, beans, or other add-ins
Instructions
- Soak Nuts: Place the raw cashews or macadamia nuts in a bowl and cover them fully with water. Allow them to soak for 6 to 8 hours to soften, then drain completely and pat dry to prepare for blending.
- Blend 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, turmeric, and optional nutmeg. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly without rinsing to preserve surface starch that helps the sauce adhere.
- Heat Sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a pot and gently heat over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the warm Alfredo sauce over the drained pasta. Season further with salt and pepper if desired. Stir in any optional cooked vegetables, beans, or other favorite add-ins and serve immediately.
Notes
- Soaking nuts is essential for a smooth sauce and easier digestion.
- Roasting the red pepper adds a smoky depth of flavor but is optional.
- Nutritional yeast is a vegan alternative to Parmesan, offering a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- This sauce also works well with spaghetti squash or steamed vegetables for a low-carb option.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, considering saltiness and spice preferences.
Keywords: Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce, Dairy-Free Alfredo, Vegan Alfredo, Cashew Sauce, Plant-Based Pasta Sauce, Easy Alfredo Sauce
Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/red-pepper-alfredo-sauce-recipe/
