Sweet Potato Noodle Alfredo Recipe
This Sweet Potato Noodle Alfredo is a perfect combination of creamy comfort and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet or just want to enjoy a nutritious twist on pasta, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
As someone who enjoys trying new ways to make healthy versions of classic comfort foods, Sweet Potato Noodle Alfredo quickly became one of my favorite go-to recipes.
I’ve always loved the rich, creamy taste of Alfredo sauce, but sometimes the heaviness of traditional Alfredo can leave me feeling sluggish. That’s when I decided to swap out the usual pasta for something a little lighter and more nutritious—sweet potato noodles.
The result? A dish that’s not only creamy and comforting but also packed with nutrients, fiber, and a touch of sweetness from the sweet potato noodles.
Making this dish was a game changer for me. It’s a perfect combination of creamy, garlicky goodness with a natural sweetness from the sweet potato noodles. I couldn’t believe how satisfying it was, all while being completely gluten-free and much lighter than the original version.
If you’re looking for a healthier, lighter, and yet indulgent twist on classic Alfredo, this recipe is for you.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nourishing: Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. They’re a great way to boost the nutritional value of this traditionally indulgent dish.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The Alfredo sauce is made with a base of cashews, garlic, and nutritional yeast, creating a creamy texture and rich flavor without the heavy cream and cheese.
- Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to eat lighter without sacrificing flavor.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
- Customizable: You can add vegetables, herbs, or even grilled chicken to customize the dish to your liking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Noodles: If you’re using fresh sweet potatoes, spiralize them into noodles using a spiralizer. If you prefer to save time, you can also buy pre-spiralized sweet potato noodles from the store. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once heated, add the sweet potato noodles and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Be careful not to overcook them, as you want the noodles to retain some texture.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: While the noodles are cooking, place the soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine the Noodles and Sauce: Once the sweet potato noodles are cooked, pour the creamy Alfredo sauce over the noodles in the pan. Toss the noodles and sauce together until the noodles are fully coated and the sauce is heated through. If you’re adding spinach or kale, toss it in at this stage and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Sweet Potato Noodle Alfredo in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle a bit more nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free cheese on top if desired.
Variations
- Add Protein: For a heartier dish, top your Sweet Potato Noodle Alfredo with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy Version: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegan Parmesan: If you want to keep this dish vegan, opt for a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese in place of regular cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it and toss with the cooked sweet potato noodles. The noodles can also be pre-cooked and stored in the fridge, but it’s best to cook them fresh for optimal texture.
- Can I use regular pasta instead of sweet potato noodles? While this recipe is intended to be gluten-free and healthy, you can absolutely use regular pasta or any gluten-free pasta you prefer. The sauce will still pair perfectly with other types of noodles!
- Can I freeze the sauce? Yes, the Alfredo sauce freezes well! Store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
How to Serve
This Sweet Potato Noodle Alfredo is filling and nutritious enough to be served on its own, but you can also pair it with other dishes for a complete meal:
- With a Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich Alfredo sauce perfectly.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
- Add Grilled Protein: If you want extra protein, serve this dish with grilled chicken or a plant-based protein like tempeh or chickpeas.
Sweet Potato Noodle Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes spiralized into noodles, or use pre-packaged sweet potato noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 1/2 cup raw cashews soaked in water for at least 20 minutes
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or any milk of your choice
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: 1/2 cup spinach or kale for added greens
Instructions
- Spiralize the sweet potatoes into noodles (or use pre-made noodles). Sauté in olive oil for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- In a blender, combine soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the Alfredo sauce over the cooked sweet potato noodles and toss to coat.
- Optional: Add spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.