Pasta is a food staple that can be customized to everyone’s liking and can be a delicious meal with minimal effort required. Chicken Alfredo is a classic Italian entrée that is loved globally; the dish includes a rich and creamy texture through the savory sauce.  If you are allergic to dairy, aren’t a fan of cheese, or simply want to try something new, this tasty vegan version is a well-loved change. It only takes a few minutes to make and will satisfy those pasta cravings! 

Yield: 3 servings 

Prep time: approximately 20 

Cook time: approximately 10 minutes  

Ingredients: 

1 head of cauliflower 

1 head of broccoli  

1 teaspoon salt 

1 teaspoon pepper 

1 tablespoon of olive oil 

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 

6 cloves of garlic 

16 ounces of pasta; I used spaghetti noodles 

Half a cup of plant-based milk; I recommend soy milk. 

Vegan Chik’n; I used Morning Star’s Chick’n Strips. 

Directions:  

First, prepare your ingredients. Wash your produce, then chop the broccoli and cauliflower into small floret pieces.  

Next, place two pots with approximately 7 cups of water in each over high heat. Bring them to a boil. Then, add the pasta to one pot and the cauliflower to the other. 

Allow your cauliflower and noodles to cook for about 10 – 15 minutes. They are cooked and ready when they are soft to the touch. 

In a blender, put your garlic, salt, pepper, nutritional yeast, soy milk, olive oil and head of cauliflower. Mix on high. This will be your Alfredo sauce. If you feel that it is too thick, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you have reached the desired consistency. 

Drain your noodles and add them to a large pan along with the Alfredo sauce, broccoli, and about a cup of the vegan Chick’n.  

Allow all ingredients to simmer for about 10 minutes on medium-low heat.  

Turn off the heat, and allow the pasta to cool for about 5 minutes. 

For those who typically enjoy added cheese, you can sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top to give the dish the same effect. 

You now have a creamy Chick’n Alfredo to enjoy. Pair it with your choice of drink and garlic bread, and you have made yourself a five-star meal in no time! 

Have a recipe that you would like to share that’s perfect for college students? Send it to The Runner at [email protected]!