Description
A creamy, flavorful Red Pepper Alfredo Sauce made from blended nuts and roasted red bell pepper, perfect for tossing with pasta, spaghetti squash, or vegetables. This dairy-free sauce is rich, smooth, and packed with savory seasonings for a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional Alfredo sauce.
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)
Additional Ingredients
- 10 oz pasta or spaghetti squash or vegetables
- Optional grilled or roasted veggies, beans, etc.
Instructions
- Soak Nuts: Place the raw cashews or macadamia nuts in a bowl and cover them completely with water. Let the nuts soak for 6-8 hours to soften, then drain thoroughly and pat dry to prepare for blending.
- Blend Sauce: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked nuts, red bell pepper, 1/2 cup water, nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese, salt, onion powder, turmeric, and nutmeg (if using). Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, creating a creamy Alfredo sauce base.
- Cook Pasta: While heating the sauce, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta fully but do not rinse, so the sauce adheres well.
- Heat Sauce: Transfer the blended sauce to a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the warm sauce over the drained pasta. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir in any optional cooked vegetables, beans, or other add-ins, then serve immediately for a flavorful meal.
Notes
- Soaking the nuts is crucial to achieve a creamy texture in the sauce.
- You can roast the red bell pepper beforehand for a smoky flavor or use it raw for a fresher taste.
- Use nutritional yeast for a vegan option or Parmesan cheese if you prefer a traditional dairy flavor.
- This sauce works well not only with pasta but also with spaghetti squash or steamed vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, especially salt and pepper, when serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/5 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
