Vegan Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This Vegan Chicken Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal! The sauce is lightened up by using a cauliflower base and the chicken is smoky and flavor-packed.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword alfredo, cauliflower, pasta

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings

Calories 515

Ingredients

FOR THE CAULIFLOWER ALFREDO SAUCE

1 head cauliflower cut in florets
2 tbsp vegan butter
1 shallot roughly chopped
4 cloves garlic diced
1/2 cup non-dairy milk unsweetened
1/2 cup broth*
salt & pepper to taste
1 lemon zested & juiced

FOR THE VEGAN CHICKEN

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried rosemary
salt & pepper a pinch
non-stick spray
6 oz vegan chicken strips un-breaded

FOR THE PASTA

1 lb penne dry
fresh herbs for serving - I used parsley & basil
red pepper flakes for serving

Instructions

PREPARE THE CAULIFLOWER ALFREDO SAUCE

Add cauliflower to a large pot and fill with water. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove the lid and lower heat to a simmer. Cook cauliflower until fork tender (approx. 10 minutes). Drain and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
While the cauliflower is cooking melt the vegan butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and sauté until tender (approx. 5 minutes). Remove from the heat and set aside.
To a blender, add the cooked cauliflower, non-dairy milk, broth, a healthy pinch of salt & pepper and the cooked shallot/garlic mixture. Blend until smooth and set aside.

PREPARE THE PASTA AND CHICKEN

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, salt & pepper in a bowl and stir to combine. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat evenly.
Heat a griddle or pan over medium heat. Spray with non-stick spray. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned on both sides (approx. 3-5 minutes per side). If you have leftover marinade you can baste the chicken with it while it cooks. Set aside.
Drain the pasta and place the empty pot back on the stove on low heat. Add the drained pasta back to the pan. Top with the cauliflower alfredo and toss to combine. Add the lemon zest and juice. Taste and adjust salt & pepper as needed.
Slice the chicken and add it to the pasta. Serve with fresh herbs, red pepper flakes and additional pepper.