Vegan Cashew Alfredo Sauce
Creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying, this plant-based Alfredo comes together with a handful of wholesome ingredients and a blender — no dairy required. Soaking raw cashews until tender and then blending them with sautéed garlic, vegetable broth, and a touch of nutmeg creates a sauce that is genuinely silky and luxurious, not a pale imitation of the classic. Nutritional yeast brings that savory, cheesy depth that makes the whole thing feel indulgent, while fresh lemon juice keeps it bright and balanced. The technique is straightforward: build flavor in the pan, blend everything smooth, then warm it back up until it coats a spoon beautifully. It serves four generously, making it a solid weeknight dinner option or an impressive dish to put in front of guests who might not even realize it's entirely plant-based. A handful of chopped fresh parsley on top adds color and a little freshness to finish things off. If you've been skeptical about dairy-free pasta sauces, this is the one that tends to change minds.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the cashew cream
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 2 cups boiling water, for soaking
For the sauce
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
For serving
- fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the cashews in a heatproof bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let soak for 30 minutes, then drain and discard the soaking water.
- 2
Melt the vegan butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and softened, about 1–2 minutes — watch closely so it does not brown.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!