Dairy-Free: Almond Milk Alfredo
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
A dairy-free twist on a classic! This Alfredo sauce uses creamy almond milk for a rich and flavorful vegan pasta dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 tbsp butter or Earth Balance
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 1/2 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 1 cups (237 ml) vegetable stock
- 2 cups (473 ml) unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 lbs (454 g) fettuccine, cooked
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 cups (59 ml) chopped Italian parsley
Instructions
For the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and shallots until softened and aromatic (about 2 minutes).
- In a small bowl, whisk together arrowroot powder and vegetable stock; pour into the skillet.
- Whisk in almond milk and nutritional yeast. Cook until thickened and steamy. If using cornstarch, cook until the sauce boils and thickens.
- Remove from heat.
- Serve over fettuccine.
- Sprinkle with nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, increase the arrowroot powder or cornstarch to 3 tablespoons.
- Toasted almond slivers add a delightful crunch; sprinkle on top before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; gently reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of almond milk works best for an alfredo sauce?
Use unsweetened, plain almond milk with no vanilla flavoring. A creamier variety or barista-style almond milk produces a richer, thicker sauce compared to the thinnest shelf-stable options.
How do I keep the dairy-free alfredo from being too thin?
Whisk in a tablespoon or two of flour or cornstarch as you build the sauce, or let it simmer longer to reduce. Adding nutritional yeast also helps thicken the sauce while adding a savory, nutty flavor.
What pasta shape works best with almond milk alfredo?
Fettuccine is the classic choice because its wide surface holds the sauce well. Penne or rigatoni also work since the sauce can coat the inside of the tubes.
I just made this from random bits I have in my pantry – I added a bit of garlic powder and paprika. Covered the noodles with cinnamon as I lacked nutmeg. Tastes great – thank you for the recipe!
I found this recipe a bit bland. I also had to add a lot of extra cornstarch for this to thicken. I added red pepper flakes and more parsley to help out the flavor
I made this and to me it is a gravy, not an alfredo sauce. I guess the search continues to find something that works.
This recipe had good flavor, but my sauce did not thicken and turn creamy. Next time I will add more cornstarch.
This recipe is amazing!!! I don’t eat dairy but my husband does so I was afraid to mess up alfredo…one of his favorites. He loved it!! I did add a bit more cornstarch to thicken. Definitely will make this again!
My favorite vegan cheese recipe yet!! So hard to find a good one. It didn’t turn out like Alfredo, more like a yummy cheesy sauce. Also added more cornstarch to make it extra creamy.
I would definitely recommend this recipe!
Our family enjoyed this sauce, thank you. I added a clove if garlic then blended the onion and garlic with the sauce as my kids wouldn’t eat it otherwise. I also added mushrooms and chopped cherry tomatoes to the final dish. I will be naking this again.