Are you ready to transform your pasta night into a culinary adventure that's both indulgent and completely plant-based? This Vegan Pumpkin Alfredo Sauce is about to revolutionize your dinner table with its incredibly smooth, rich texture and mind-blowing flavor that will make you forget all about traditional dairy-based sauces. Imagine a creamy, dreamy sauce that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients and totally guilt-free – this recipe is your ticket to pasta paradise!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta of choice
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature for best blending consistency.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely, releasing their aromatic oils and preparing them for sautéing.
- In a medium saucepan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add the pumpkin puree to the pan, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Pour in the coconut milk, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy base for the sauce.
- Sprinkle in the nutritional yeast, which will add a cheesy flavor and enhance the sauce's nutritional profile.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and allow flavors to meld.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add a little water or additional coconut milk to reach desired consistency.
- Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions, reserving some pasta water for potential sauce thinning.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain and immediately toss with the warm pumpkin Alfredo sauce.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest possible sauce consistency.
- Garlic is Key: Take your time when sautéing garlic – those golden, fragrant moments create depth of flavor.
- Whisk with Purpose: When adding coconut milk and nutritional yeast, whisk thoroughly to prevent any lumps and ensure a silky-smooth texture.
- Consistency Control: Don't panic if the sauce seems too thick! Keep some pasta water or extra coconut milk on hand to thin it out.
- Taste as You Go: Nutritional yeast and seasoning can vary, so always taste and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can elevate the sauce from good to absolutely amazing.
- Storage Tip: This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat gently, adding a splash of plant-based milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 149kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 0mg
