Name: Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ large head of cauliflower, washed and chopped; 6 cloves garlic, peeled; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 1 teaspoon vegetable stock powder or Vegeta seasoning; ½ cup raw cashews; 1½ cups almond milk or your favorite milk substitute; ½ cup nutritional yeast; Juice of ½ lemon; 300 g fettuccine, cooked aldente; Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a luscious, creamy Alfredo that’s secretly healthy and absolutely packed with flavor, this Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe) is going to win your heart (and your taste buds). Imagine a velvety sauce clinging to al dente fettuccine, boasting all the richness you crave, but made from a handful of wholesome, plant-powered ingredients. You won’t miss the dairy one bit—the roasted cauliflower and cashews blend into a dreamy, savory, and entirely satisfying sauce, perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving serious comfort. Trust me, once you try this, Alfredo night will never be the same!

Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how the simple lineup in this recipe transforms into magic. Each ingredient is in the spotlight for a reason—the roasted cauliflower and cashews join forces for unbeatable creaminess, the garlic and nutritional yeast add that “classic Alfredo” depth, and the fresh parsley lends a little pop of color and brightness. Here’s everything you’ll need for Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe):

Cauliflower: Roasting this veggie brings out its natural sweetness and makes the sauce ultra-creamy.
Garlic: Six whole cloves roasted with the cauliflower give a mellow, earthy backbone to the sauce.
Olive oil: Divided between roasting and blending, it adds a luxurious texture and rich flavor note.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors; don’t be shy, but taste as you go!
Vegetable stock powder (or Vegeta seasoning): Infuses a deep, savory umami to reinforce the Alfredo vibe.
Raw cashews: Soaked and blended, these create the silkiest, most convincing “cream” without dairy.
Almond milk (or favorite milk substitute): The liquid base for blending; choose unsweetened for best results.
Nutritional yeast: A secret weapon for cheesy flavor that’s totally plant-based (and B12-rich, too!).
Lemon juice: Just a squeeze wakes everything up and balances the richness with brightness.
Fettuccine (about 300g, cooked al dente): The classic pasta partner, but honestly, any pasta shapes work here.
Pepper and nutmeg: For seasoning—nutmeg adds that subtle warmth Alfredo lovers adore.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top for color, aroma, and a final fresh finish.

How to Make Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe)

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Cauliflower and Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 390°F (200°C). Place the chopped cauliflower and peeled garlic cloves on a lined baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with a teaspoon each of salt and vegetable stock powder. Give everything a gentle toss so every floret and clove gets a little love. Roast for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway, until the cauliflower is deeply golden and fork-tender—the flavors here will carry your sauce, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Soak the Cashews

While the cauliflower is doing its thing in the oven, get those cashews soaking. Place the raw cashews in a heatproof bowl and pour boiling water over them—enough to cover. Pop a lid or plate over the bowl and let them soak for at least 20 minutes. If you remember to soak them overnight, you’ll get an even creamier sauce, but a quick soak works beautifully, too. When they’re done, drain and rinse them with cool water.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce Until Silky Smooth

Once your roasted cauliflower and garlic are ready (and smelling delicious!), let them cool down just a bit. Transfer them to a high-speed blender along with the soaked, drained cashews, the remaining olive oil, almond milk, nutritional yeast, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of nutmeg. Blend on high until the mixture is velvety and totally smooth. You can add a splash more milk if you want a thinner sauce. Take a moment to taste—season with salt, pepper, or even a little more lemon if you like. This is the heart of your Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe)!

Step 4: Toss with Pasta and Serve

Cook your pasta (fettuccine is classic, but any shape will welcome this sauce!) until al dente, then drain well. Pour the creamy cauliflower Alfredo sauce over the hot pasta and toss until every strand is generously coated. Spoon it onto plates or swirl into bowls, then finish with a scatter of fresh chopped parsley. You’re ready to dig in—get ready for silky, savory, totally comforting perfection!

How to Serve Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe)

Garnishes

The easiest way to take your pasta from everyday to restaurant-worthy is with the right garnish. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for color and a burst of herby brightness. A few grinds of black pepper or a tiny dusting of extra nutritional yeast (if you want more “cheesy” flavor) are always welcome. For a special touch, add lemon zest or toasted breadcrumbs—your Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe) will look and taste like a showstopper.

Side Dishes

Pair your creamy pasta with something crisp or vibrant to balance the richness. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully, or try steamed broccoli or sautéed greens for extra color and nutrition. Warm garlic bread is classic if you’re feeling indulgent, while roasted vegetables or even a light tomato salad create a meal that satisfies and delights.

Creative Ways to Present

This Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe) is wildly versatile. Try spooning the sauce over roasted vegetables or using it as a dip for crusty bread. It’s also amazing drizzled on top of grain bowls or even as the base for a white veggie pizza. Don’t hesitate to get playful—this sauce loves to be the star of your kitchen experiments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sauce will keep for up to five days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. Simply let it cool to room temperature before packing it up. If you find the sauce thickens as it chills, a splash of almond milk while reheating will bring it right back to creamy glory.

Freezing

Great news—Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe) freezes beautifully! Pour cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers (or even ice-cube trays for individual portions), and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently heat from frozen with a little extra milk to regain its silky texture.

Reheating

When ready to reheat, pour your sauce into a small saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of almond milk as needed to smooth it out. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and don’t let it boil—gentle heat keeps everything creamy. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring each time until perfectly warm and glossy.

FAQs

Can I make this Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe) nut-free?

Absolutely! You can swap the cashews for an equal amount of raw sunflower seeds. The sauce will still be ultra-creamy and delicious, just with a slightly different, more earthy flavor profile. Be sure to soak the seeds the same way as the cashews.

Is nutritional yeast really necessary?

Nutritional yeast delivers the unmistakable cheesy, savory essence that makes this sauce such a convincing Alfredo. If you can’t use it, try adding a dash more lemon juice, some Dijon mustard, or extra vegetable stock powder for depth and richness.

What’s the best way to make the sauce ultra-smooth?

A high-speed blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec) is your best friend for this recipe. If you only have a regular blender or food processor, blend for a bit longer and scrape down the sides as needed. Add an extra splash of almond milk if it seems too thick or isn’t blending easily.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes! Just thaw and pat the cauliflower dry first to roast without extra moisture. Frozen cauliflower doesn’t crisp and caramelize quite like fresh, but it will still make a wonderfully smooth and tasty Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe).

How can I add protein to this recipe?

Chickpeas, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted tofu are all fantastic protein add-ins. You can toss them directly with the sauce and pasta, or serve on the side for a heartier meal. The sauce also pairs well with gently wilted spinach or peas stirred right in.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about turning humble veggies into a meal that feels both comforting and a little bit special. This Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe) might just become a new staple in your kitchen—so creamy, so easy, and so crowd-pleasing. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it disappears in seconds!

Cauliflower Pasta Sauce (Easy Creamy Alfredo Recipe) Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 8 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a guilt-free creamy Alfredo sauce with this Cauliflower Pasta Sauce recipe. It’s easy to make and deliciously satisfying, perfect for a comforting meal.

Instructions

Prep and Roast: Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C). Roast cauliflower and garlic with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and vegetable stock powder for 30 minutes.
Soak the Cashews: Pour boiling water over cashews in a heatproof bowl. Let soak for 20 minutes, then drain and rinse.
Blend the Sauce: Combine roasted cauliflower, garlic, soaked cashews, almond milk, remaining olive oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and nutmeg in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Serve: Pour sauce over cooked pasta, toss to coat, and garnish with parsley. Enjoy!