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Creamy vegan alfredo pasta with crispy tofu and herbs.

Vegan Spaghetti Carbonara (No Egg)

This vegan spaghetti carbonara is a plant-based take on the traditional carbonara—without the egg yolks or any animal products! Instead, we create a creamy sauce using a combination of cashews, nutritional yeast, and black salt (kala namak) to replicate that signature eggy flavor. Tossed with crispy vegan bacon, freshly cracked black pepper, and al dente spaghetti, this dish is as indulgent as the real thing—minus the dairy and eggs!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, pasta
Cuisine American, European
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz spaghetti or gluten-free pasta
  • 3 cups boiling water for cooking pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the Vegan Carbonara Sauce:

  • ½ cup raw cashews soaked
  • 3 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black salt kala namak (for the eggy flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon miso paste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¾ cup soy milk or almond milk
  • Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the Vegan Bacon & Aromatics:

  • ½ cup vegan bacon tofu bacon, coconut bacon, or shiitake mushrooms
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon liquid smoke for a smoky flavor

For Garnish:

  • ¼ cup vegan parmesan cheese or homemade cashew parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • Extra black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • Boil spaghetti in boiling water with a pinch of salt. Cook al dente, following package instructions. Reserve pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Vegan Carbonara Sauce

  • In a small bowl, soak cashews in hot water for a couple of minutes (or boil for 5 minutes).
  • Blend soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, miso paste, lemon juice, black salt, and non-dairy milk into a smooth cream sauce. Add a splash of water if needed.

Cook the Vegan Bacon & Aromatics

  • Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add chopped vegan bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same large pan, sauté onions and garlic cloves until fragrant.

Combine Everything

  • Lower heat to medium heat and add cooked spaghetti to the pan.
  • Pour in the creamy vegan carbonara sauce, stirring well. Add pasta water a little at a time for a silky sauce.
  • Stir in vegan bacon and let everything cook for a couple of minutes.

Serve & Enjoy

  • Top with extra black pepper, vegan parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Serve immediately!
Keyword carbonara, pasta, spaghetti