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Easy Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta photo

Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta

This Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta is a vibrant and indulgent dish packed with plant-based goodness!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 each 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)
  • 10 oz pasta (spaghetti squash or vegetables)
  • Optional: grilled or roasted veggies, beans, etc.

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Method
  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you’re using a raw red bell pepper, wash and chop it into smaller pieces. If you prefer a roasted flavor, roast the bell pepper until the skin is charred and blistered, then peel and chop.
  2. If you're using raw cashews, soak them in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will help achieve a smoother consistency in your sauce. If you're short on time, you can skip soaking if you have a high-powered blender.
  3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta, spaghetti squash, or vegetables, and cook according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
  4. In a blender, combine the red bell pepper, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese, water, salt, onion powder, turmeric, and nutmeg (if using). Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. In the same pot used for the pasta, return the drained pasta and pour the creamy sauce over it. Stir well to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  6. If you’re including grilled or roasted veggies, beans, or other proteins, fold them into the pasta at this stage.
  7. Serve the Creamy Red Pepper Alfredo Pasta hot, garnished with fresh herbs or additional nutritional yeast, if desired. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture that make this dish truly comforting.

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, substitute cashews with silken tofu or sunflower seeds.
  • Use coconut cream or a store-bought dairy-free cream for extra creaminess.
  • Swap nutritional yeast with a vegan cheese alternative if preferred.
  • For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables.