This vegan garlic alfredo pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish that is quick to make and full of rich, cheesy flavor. With the perfect blend of garlic, white wine, and roasted Brussels sprouts, this dish is a delightful twist on the classic alfredo. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The creamy sauce and the hearty pasta come together in just 30 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a quick yet indulgent meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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16 ounces Brussels sprouts (halved)
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1-2 Tbsp olive oil
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Pinch of sea salt and black pepper
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3 Tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
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4 large cloves garlic, chopped (about 3 Tbsp)
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1/3 cup dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc)
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4 Tbsp arrowroot starch (or cornstarch)
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1 3/4 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
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4 Tbsp nutritional yeast
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Sea salt and black pepper to taste
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1/4 cup vegan parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
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10 ounces vegan, gluten-free pasta (e.g., brown rice pasta or penne)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare the Brussels sprouts by halving them. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, tossing to coat evenly. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and set aside.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Set aside while you make the sauce.
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil or vegan butter and sauté the garlic for about 3 minutes or until fragrant.
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Add the white wine to the skillet and cook for 2-4 minutes, letting it reduce by half.
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Stir in the arrowroot starch, then add the almond milk. The mixture may seem clumpy at first, which is normal. Transfer it to a blender and add nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and vegan parmesan. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Return the sauce to the skillet and cook over medium-low heat, whisking until it thickens. Adjust the thickness with almond milk if needed.
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While the sauce is thickening, add the Brussels sprouts to the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Add the pasta to the sauce, along with half of the roasted Brussels sprouts. Toss everything together to combine.
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Serve with the remaining Brussels sprouts and extra vegan parmesan. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Nutrients (per serving):
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Calories: 509
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Carbohydrates: 75.4 g
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Protein: 12.3 g
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Fat: 18.5 g
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Saturated Fat: 2.4 g
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Cholesterol: 0 mg
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Sodium: 450 mg
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Fiber: 7.7 g
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Sugar: 2.9 g
Why Choose Vegan Garlic Alfredo Pasta?
The creamy texture and rich flavors that define the classic Alfredo pasta are a hit among pasta lovers worldwide. However, with the increasing popularity of plant-based diets, many people are now seeking alternatives that cater to their dietary preferences or health-conscious choices. Vegan garlic Alfredo pasta is a fantastic option because it allows individuals to enjoy the same beloved flavors without the use of animal products. With a few simple substitutions, this recipe offers a wholesome alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction.
Vegan garlic Alfredo pasta is an excellent choice for anyone with lactose intolerance, vegans, or people looking to reduce their dairy intake. The use of unsweetened almond milk in the sauce ensures that the dish stays creamy without the need for heavy cream, while nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, mimicking the richness of Parmesan cheese. The roasted Brussels sprouts add a wonderful depth of flavor, complementing the creamy sauce beautifully.
The Secret to the Creamy Sauce
The heart of any great Alfredo pasta lies in the sauce, and this vegan version does not disappoint. The key to achieving a rich, creamy sauce without dairy is the clever combination of ingredients like unsweetened almond milk, nutritional yeast, and vegan butter or olive oil. The arrowroot starch, a natural thickening agent, works wonders in giving the sauce the perfect consistency, creating a smooth and velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
Nutritional yeast is a superstar ingredient in vegan cooking. It is packed with B-vitamins and provides a savory, umami flavor that replicates the taste of cheese, making it the perfect addition to this garlic Alfredo sauce. The white wine, garlic, and roasted Brussels sprouts bring additional layers of flavor, turning a simple sauce into something extraordinary. Together, these ingredients create a creamy, garlicky base that’s rich without being overly heavy.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The Perfect Companion
One of the highlights of this vegan garlic Alfredo pasta recipe is the addition of roasted Brussels sprouts. While Brussels sprouts are often overlooked, they are a highly nutritious vegetable with a delightful flavor when roasted. Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and caramelization, which pairs perfectly with the creamy garlic Alfredo sauce. Their slightly crispy texture adds a satisfying contrast to the smooth pasta, making each bite a delightful combination of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
Brussels sprouts are also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to the dish. Their inclusion not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nutritious element, helping to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
A Quick and Easy Recipe
One of the best things about this vegan garlic Alfredo pasta is how quickly it comes together. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of preparation time, you can create a meal that is both satisfying and indulgent. The pasta cooks while the sauce is prepared, making the process efficient and streamlined. The Brussels sprouts can be roasted in the oven while the pasta is boiling and the sauce is being blended, ensuring that everything comes together at the perfect time.
This makes it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The convenience of the dish doesn’t mean sacrificing quality, though. Each component is carefully crafted to provide the best possible flavor and texture.
Customization and Variations
While this recipe is already flavorful and complete, it offers plenty of room for customization. For instance, you can experiment with different types of pasta to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Gluten-free pasta options, such as brown rice pasta or penne, work wonderfully in this recipe, making it accessible to those with gluten sensitivities or preferences.
If you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts, you can easily swap them for another vegetable, such as roasted cauliflower, spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms. Each option will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your taste.
For those who like a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkling them on top of the finished dish can give the pasta an extra kick. Similarly, experimenting with different herbs or seasonings like fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can elevate the flavor profile and add more depth to the sauce.
Why Nutritional Yeast is Essential
Nutritional yeast is an essential ingredient in vegan cooking. It’s packed with essential nutrients like B-vitamins, protein, and fiber, making it a great addition to your diet. In this recipe, nutritional yeast serves as a stand-in for the traditional cheese found in classic Alfredo sauce. It has a cheesy, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy base and helps to achieve that rich, umami flavor that defines Alfredo.
Moreover, nutritional yeast is low in calories and free from added sugars, making it a healthy addition to the dish. Its versatility means it can be used in a variety of recipes, from pasta sauces to soups, salads, and even popcorn.
A Perfect Weeknight Dinner
With its combination of creamy sauce, rich flavors, and hearty pasta, vegan garlic Alfredo pasta is the perfect meal for a weeknight dinner. Its simplicity and quick cooking time make it an easy choice for busy evenings when you don’t have much time to prepare a meal but still want something satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to impress.
Moreover, this recipe is not only vegan but can also be made gluten-free by using the appropriate pasta, making it an inclusive option for a variety of dietary needs. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet night at home, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion: A Delicious and Satisfying Dish
In conclusion, vegan garlic Alfredo pasta is an easy-to-make, delicious, and satisfying dish that will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. With its creamy, garlicky sauce, roasted Brussels sprouts, and hearty pasta, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of simple, wholesome ingredients ensures that this dish is both nutritious and indulgent, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful meal.
This recipe showcases how plant-based ingredients can be used to create a dish that rivals its traditional counterpart in flavor and comfort. Whether you’re a vegan, gluten-free, or simply someone looking to try something new, this vegan garlic Alfredo pasta is a fantastic option. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or any time you want a creamy, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy.