Ingredients
Method
- Drain and rinse the soaked cashews. Add them to a high-speed blender with 1 cup water. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pot. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, almond milk, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the fettuccine pasta. Stir well to prevent sticking.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking. If the liquid level gets too low, add more broth or water as needed.
- When pasta is almost al dente, stir in the cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot and stir gently to combine.
- Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and pasta is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken further. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
The cashews must be soaked for at least 2 hours for the smoothest cream. For best results, soak them overnight. If your blender isn't high-powered, you may need to blend longer or strain the cashew cream through a fine mesh sieve. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for 3 days and can be reheated with a splash of broth or almond milk to restore creaminess.
