Best Vegan Creamy Fettuccine

Category: Delicious Pasta Creations

This vegan Alfredo features tender fettuccine enveloped in a silky, plant-based sauce. The dish starts with sautéed garlic in vegan butter, bringing out a rich aroma. Plant-based milk and a flour slurry combine to create a luscious base, while garlic powder, salt, and pepper add layers of flavor. Finish with grated vegan parmesan and fresh parsley for a deliciously creamy, satisfying meal. Enjoy it hot, garnished with crushed black pepper for a simple yet indulgent touch—perfect for a weeknight dinner or sharing with friends.

A woman in a chef's outfit poses for a picture.
Updated on Wed, 14 May 2025 17:30:56 GMT
A bowl of pasta with sauce and herbs. Pin
A bowl of pasta with sauce and herbs. | applefoodie.com

This vegan Alfredo is my absolute go-to when I want comfort food fast with barely any fuss. It delivers a rich and creamy texture like the classic but relies on simple plant-based swaps so anyone at the table can dig in. You get a silky sauce, savory garlic, and the satisfying twirl of pasta – all ready in about half an hour and without searching specialty stores.

Nothing beats how fast this comes together on a busy night or when friends show up last minute. The first time I made this for my dairy-loving family, everyone asked for seconds and now it makes a regular appearance for all sorts of gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Vegan butter: adds a rich flavor that forms the base of the sauce look for one with a creamy texture
  • Fresh garlic: brings the bold essential flavor buy firm heavy heads with tight cloves
  • Plant-based milk: is what makes the sauce creamy stick with unsweetened and unflavored for best results
  • All-purpose flour: creates the luscious velvety thickness choose unbleached if you can find it
  • Fettuccine: gives you that authentic bite but any pasta works use a brand with high protein for extra chew
  • Vegan parmesan: melts in for tangy sharp flavor try to find finely grated styles for easier blending
  • Fresh parsley: finishes everything with bright color and taste buy vibrant bunches and chop just before serving
  • Salt and black pepper: bring all the other flavors together use sea salt and fresh cracked pepper if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in your fettuccine cooking until just al dente usually eight to ten minutes Stir the pasta a few times to prevent sticking Drain well and set aside but reserve a half cup of the cooking water in case your sauce needs thinning later
Sauté the Garlic Base:
Melt the vegan butter over medium heat in a large pan Add your minced garlic and cook gently for four to five minutes Stir often so the garlic softens without burning The color should turn pale gold and fill your kitchen with a savory aroma
Blend in the Milk and Flour Slurry:
Reduce the heat to low and pour in your unsweetened milk Mix your flour with a bit of water to make a thin paste then whisk this flour slurry into the milk Turn the heat back up slightly and let the sauce cook while whisking continuously It will go from thin to velvety in a few minutes If you need more body add another splash of flour slurry
Season the Sauce:
Add garlic powder then season with salt and pepper to taste Let it all simmer gently for another five minutes so the sauce becomes thick creamy and rich
Coat the Pasta:
Add your cooked pasta straight into the pan Toss and fold everything to coat every noodle with the sauce Let it all simmer two or three minutes so the pasta absorbs flavor
Add Finishing Touches:
Turn off the heat Stir in the grated vegan parmesan and the freshly chopped parsley Taste and add a final sprinkle of salt or pepper if it needs it
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve steaming portions right away top with extra black pepper The sauce is at its best hot and freshly made
A bowl of pasta with a bottle of sauce next to it. Pin
A bowl of pasta with a bottle of sauce next to it. | applefoodie.com

My favorite ingredient is the vegan parmesan It melts into the sauce and adds that signature tanginess without the dairy My little sister calls this magical pasta since it was the first vegan meal she ever loved enough to request for birthdays

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently with a splash of plant-based milk to loosen the sauce You can also freeze portions for a month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap fettuccine for penne or spaghetti if that is what you have on hand Cashew milk works especially well for a richer sauce If you are out of vegan parmesan a spoon of nutritional yeast plus a tiny bit of lemon juice makes a decent stand in

Serving Suggestions

This Alfredo is perfect alone or alongside bright sides like roasted broccoli or a crisp green salad Sprinkle extra parsley and cracked pepper for presentation If feeling fancy pair it with toasted garlic bread

A bowl of pasta with a fork in it. Pin
A bowl of pasta with a fork in it. | applefoodie.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Alfredo sauce originated in early twentieth century Italy and became a classic comfort dish in America This vegan spin respects the creamy tradition while staying light and dairy free

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use other pasta types besides fettuccine?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape pairs well with this creamy sauce. Try linguine, penne, or even spaghetti for variety.

→ Is there a substitute for vegan parmesan?

If vegan parmesan isn't available, nutritional yeast or another plant-based cheese works well for a savory, cheesy finish.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

Adjust with more flour slurry for a thicker sauce, or add reserved pasta water to loosen the consistency if needed.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

→ What protein sides go well with this dish?

Grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or sautéed mushrooms complement the creamy fettuccine beautifully for added protein.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Swap regular pasta and flour for gluten-free alternatives to enjoy a gluten-free version of this creamy meal.

Best Vegan Creamy Fettuccine

Rich, garlicky vegan Alfredo fettuccine tossed with creamy sauce and fresh herbs for comforting plant-based pasta.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
30 min
By: Ava

Category: Pasta Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 4 Serves (1 pan of creamy fettuccine)

Dietary Preferences: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Pasta

01 300 g fettuccine or preferred pasta

→ Sauce

02 2 tablespoons vegan butter or standard butter
03 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
04 2 cups plant-based milk or milk of choice
05 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour blended with 80 ml water (flour slurry)
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1 cup grated vegan parmesan or regular parmesan
08 Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

09 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Steps

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente, approximately 8–10 minutes. Reserve 120 ml pasta cooking water, drain, and set pasta aside.

Step 02

Melt vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 4–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 03

Reduce heat and pour in plant-based milk. Temporarily turn off heat to whisk in the flour slurry until completely smooth. Return to medium heat and cook until the sauce has thickened to desired consistency, adding more slurry if needed.

Step 04

Add garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring to achieve a creamy, thick consistency.

Step 05

Add the drained fettuccine directly to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer together for a few minutes to ensure noodles fully absorb the flavours.

Step 06

Remove skillet from heat. Stir in grated vegan parmesan and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 07

Plate pasta while hot. Finish with extra black pepper to taste and enjoy promptly.

Notes & Tips

  1. Reserve some pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  2. Opt for high-quality plant-based milk for superior creaminess.

Necessary Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large pot
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and may contain soy or tree nuts depending on milk and cheese substitutes.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.
  • Calories: 472
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 68 g
  • Proteins: 13 g