Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ready in just 5 minutes—ideal for quick meals.
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Naturally vegan and dairy-free, yet luxuriously creamy.
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Made with simple pantry-friendly ingredients.
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High in protein thanks to the tofu.
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Versatile—pairs beautifully with pasta, roasted veggies, or as a sauce base for casseroles.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 package (300g) soft or silken tofu
1 teaspoon garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup nutritional yeast (or shredded cheese)
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Directions
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Add tofu, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a high-powered blender or food processor.
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Blend until smooth, adjusting seasoning to taste.
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Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Drain, then return pasta to the pot over low heat.
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Stir the Alfredo sauce into the pasta, then mix in nutritional yeast or cheese until incorporated.
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Optional: Add chopped spinach and stir until just wilted.
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Sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes about 3 cups of sauce (enough for roughly 3–4 servings of pasta)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Variations
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Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth.
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Swap apple cider vinegar for lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
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Stir in roasted red peppers for a smoky, colorful twist.
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Use cashew cream in place of tofu for a richer sauce.
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Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley for freshness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or plant milk to loosen if it thickens. This sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Is Tofu Alfredo vegan?
Yes, as long as you use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, it’s fully vegan.
Can I use firm tofu instead of silken?
You can, but the sauce will be less creamy unless you blend it for longer and add extra liquid.
Does nutritional yeast really taste like cheese?
It has a savory, nutty flavor with a slight cheesiness, making it a great dairy-free alternative.
Can I make this sauce without a blender?
A blender is best for smooth texture, but you can mash and whisk ingredients for a chunkier version.
What pasta works best with Tofu Alfredo?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work wonderfully, but any pasta will do.
How can I make this sauce richer?
Add a spoonful of vegan butter or a bit of coconut cream.
Can I serve Tofu Alfredo with something other than pasta?
Yes—try it over steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, or as a pizza sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just pair it with gluten-free pasta.
Can I add more protein?
Absolutely—toss in chickpeas, lentils, or grilled vegan chicken strips.
Will kids like this recipe?
The mild, creamy flavor is usually kid-friendly, though you might skip the red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
This Tofu Alfredo is proof that comfort food can be both healthy and lightning-fast to prepare. With its silky texture and rich flavor, it’s an easy go-to for busy nights, special dinners, or simply when you crave a creamy pasta without the heaviness of dairy
PrintBest Tofu Alfredo Sauce
A rich, velvety vegan Alfredo sauce made in just 5 minutes from silken tofu, garlic, olive oil, and nutritional yeast—perfect for pasta, veggies, or casseroles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups of sauce (3–4 pasta servings)
- Category: Sauce, Main Dish
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan, Italian-inspired
Ingredients
300 g soft or silken tofu
1 tsp garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup nutritional yeast (or shredded cheese)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Add tofu, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth; adjust seasoning to taste.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pot over low heat.
- Stir in Alfredo sauce, then mix in nutritional yeast or cheese until incorporated.
- Optional: Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
- Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for depth.
- Swap apple cider vinegar for lemon juice for brightness.
- Blend in roasted red peppers for smoky color.
- Use cashew cream instead of tofu for a richer sauce.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup sauce
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg