Creamy Cashew Cauliflower Alfredo

I MEAN! Is there anything better in life than a giant bowl of pasta with WHITE SAUCE?? 

Especially on a frigid wintry night when all you want is comfort food, fuzzy socks, a crackling fire, a glass of wine and a good movie… oh and snuggles. Doesn’t that sound like a dream?!!

Sounds more like a dream come true with this here recipe, my loves.

Did you hear there’s a major shortage of vegan alfredo sauce recipes on the internet… ?

KIDDING.

There’s literally thousands of vegan alfredo recipes!

So many versions. So little time.

Why am I handing you yet another seductive alfredo recipe?!

Because I want to fit in. Also because most of the vegan alfredo sauce recipes I’ve seen have either cauliflower or cashews – but not both, and I have not a clue why. Seems prettay sillay, if you ask me. So that’s exactly what I did – I combined both cauliflower AND cashews with a handful of spices + lots of love, and what did I get in return??

Oh, ya know, just a MATCH MADE IN SAUCE HEAVEN. Just the most luxurious, creamy dreamy, gem of a alfredo sauce that could literally be eaten as a soup on it’s own… no big deal.

It’s the cashews.

Or is it the cauliflower? Nah, pretty sure its the cashews… Cashews are some kind of delicious magic, but pair them with cauliflower too, and you have an unforgettable duo.

Back in the day, (when I used to eat butter and cheese), alfredo pasta was one recipe we would beg my mom to make. Because, white sauce was and is everything. While I remember it being incredibly delish, it also made my skin break out like crazy… I hadn’t yet connected the dots between dairy and breakouts. Those were sad times people! Times I’d like to erase forever.

Thankfully, this Creamy Cashew Cauliflower Alfredo will not cause breakouts!! It’s a heart healthy, vegan friendly, dairy-free version. No cream, no cheese, no butter, no weirdness. Just good-for-you whole foods and spices!

By now, I’m sure you’ve noticed the little green peas laced in between the linguini noodles. I think peas are the cutest, and I like adding them for color, fiber and plant protein, but feel free to sub in broccoli or spinach if peas aren’t your thing. Sprinkled on top are these homemade grain-free breadcrumbs from my Crusty Pumpkin and Kale Pasta Bake recipe, and red pepper flakes!!

How To Make ‘Creamy Cashew Cauliflower Alfredo’:

• Sauté the onion in avocado oil (or refined coconut oil) for about 5-7 minutes. Then stir in the garlic and cauliflower, along with veggie broth. Cover and cook until the cauliflower has softened.
• Transfer to a high-speed blender, along with the cashews, nutritional yeast and a few other goodies. Blend until smooth and voilà! You’re left with the creamiest, most luxurious, restaurant-style alfredo sauce.
• Pour back into the pan to warm, toss in the peas and pasta noodles (I used the Ancient Harvest gluten free linguini) and grab a plate!

Told ya, it’s some kind of creamy, dreamy magic.

***Side note about the blender I used, because I’m often asked. A good blender will change your life in the best way. You’ll wonder how you ever got by without one! I say this time and time again: yes, a high speed blender is an investment, but it’s an investment in your health and your creativity in the kitchen. Think of all the seriously smooth (and hot!) soups, sauces, dressings, dough, pancake batters, superfood smoothies, watermelon margaritas, green juices and ice cream sundaes you can create… the list goes on!! I use my blender every single day and clean up is so easy.

For this recipe though, I used the brand new, super beautiful E320 Explorian from Vitamix, and it was something special! For a long time, I’ve been a Blendtec girl but now, I think it’s a fair tie. What I really like about the Vitamix is the control I have over the speed and how it can handle thicker mixtures much better than the Blendtec. I don’t have to stop blending to take off the lid and scrape down the sides every few seconds, which is prettay nice.

The variable speed control allows you to refine every texture, from smooth purees to chunky soups and thick smoothies for smoothie bowls. The new Explorian Design will fit under most kitchen cabinets now too! This design is exclusive to Costco and comes with a 7 year full warranty.

I can’t recommend it enough, especially for that foodie in your life. Perfect holiday gift?! I think yes.