What is a good substitute for milk in Alfredo sauce?

For a truly creamy and satisfying dairy free Alfredo sauce recipe, the best substitutes for milk are unsweetened oat milk, cashew milk, or almond milk. These plant-based options provide the neutral flavor and smooth texture that traditional Alfredo needs—without the dairy. Oat milk is Carmen’s favorite because it adds body without competing with garlic or umami.

What is a good substitute for cheese in fettuccine Alfredo?

Cheese is usually the centerpiece of traditional Alfredo, but in a dairy free Alfredo sauce recipe, it’s all about nutritional yeast and blended cashews. Nutritional yeast gives the sauce that unmistakable cheesy flavor, while cashews make it thick and creamy. A pinch of lemon juice or white miso paste deepens the flavor even more—no cheese required.

Does Classico Alfredo sauce have dairy?

Yes, most store-bought Alfredo sauces like Classico contain both milk and cheese, making them unsuitable for anyone avoiding dairy. That’s why a homemade dairy free Alfredo sauce recipe is the better option if you're vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply eating clean. It gives you full control over the ingredients without sacrificing the creamy richness.

Can I make Alfredo sauce with oat milk?

Absolutely. In fact, oat milk is one of the best base ingredients for a dairy free Alfredo sauce recipe. It’s thick, subtly sweet, and has a texture close to cream. Just make sure you’re using plain, unsweetened oat milk, so the flavor doesn’t clash with the savory notes of garlic, nutritional yeast, or lemon.

Dairy Free Alfredo Sauce Recipe – The Best Creamy & Comforting Vegan Twist

Name: Dairy Free Alfredo Sauce Recipe That Warms the Soul
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20–30 minutes); 1½ cups unsweetened oat milk (or plain cashew milk); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon white miso paste (optional, for extra umami)

Description

This dairy free Alfredo sauce recipe is rich, creamy, and completely plant-based. Made with soaked cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, and oat milk, it delivers all the comfort of traditional Alfredo without any dairy. Perfect for weeknight meals, pasta nights, or elegant vegan dinners. Ready in just 25 minutes and endlessly versatile!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20–30 minutes)
1½ cups unsweetened oat milk (or plain cashew milk)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon white miso paste (optional, for extra umami)

Instructions

Soak cashews in hot water for 20–30 minutes, then drain.
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add soaked cashews, oat milk, sautéed garlic with oil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional miso paste to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Pour blended sauce back into the saucepan and heat on low, stirring constantly for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Serve immediately over pasta, vegetables, or grain bowls. Add a splash of oat milk to loosen if sauce thickens after sitting.

Notes

For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or white miso paste.
To thin the sauce after refrigerating, stir in a splash of oat milk during reheating.
This sauce is great as a pasta topping, veggie drizzle, or dip.
Sauce thickens as it cools—this is normal and expected.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Blending, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 180g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 360mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: dairy free Alfredo sauce recipe, vegan Alfredo, cashew Alfredo, creamy vegan pasta, plant-based sauce