Make this vegan fettuccine Alfredo recipe for Meatless Monday

It may be Meatless Monday, but there’s no reason to skip the richness — and cheese — tonight at dinner. This vegan fettuccine Alfredo recipe with sauteed spinach and cheese crisps had everyone — including the non-vegans — asking for seconds when we tested it in our Test Kitchen. The trick is using quality vegan alternatives such as cashew cream. The recipe also happens to be gluten-free.

CASHEW CREAM FETTUCCINE ALFREDO WITH SAUTÉED SPINACH AND CHEESE CRISPS

Total time: 35 minutes | Serves 4 to 6

Note: Adapted from “Spork-Fed” by Jenny Engel and Heather Goldberg, who write: “The traditional version of this dish is known for its creamy, rich texture and its impact on your hips. Our Alfredo gives you the same fulfilled feelings without the side effects! Adding the cheese crisps makes this a delight to eat, because you get the crunch along with the creamy texture of the noodles. We like to toss in some greens whenever we get the chance, so throw in spinach, kale or chard for a boost of nutrients.”

1 1/2 cups shredded vegan cheese (“Spork” recommends Daiya brand)

1 package (14-ounce) brown rice fettuccine

1 teaspoon neutral-tasting oil

3 tablespoons nondairy butter

2 large shallots, finely chopped

3 cups baby spinach, tightly packed

1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond or soy milk

1 cup soy milk creamer

2 cups cashews

3/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for salting the pasta water

1/2 teaspoon finely ground black pepper

1 tablespoon light miso paste (non-barley)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

3 tablespoons arrowroot powder, plus 2 tablespoons water, whisked to form a slurry

1. Prepare the cheese crisps: Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Sprinkle the cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until crisp, 12 to 14 minutes. Set aside to cool completely, then break into large uneven pieces to garnish the pasta.

2. While the cheese is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the instructions on the package, generally 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and run the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again, and return to the pot, tossing with the oil to keep the pasta from sticking together. Set aside in a warm place.

3. Heat a shallow skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter in the skillet, then add the shallots, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes. Remove the shallots using a slotted spoon, leaving the butter in the pan. Set the shallots aside in a small bowl.

4. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook over medium heat until just wilted, about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Toss the spinach with the fettuccine.

5. Prepare the alfredo sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the almond or soy milk, creamer, cashews, sea salt, black pepper, miso, lemon juice, nutmeg, dry mustard and the cooked shallots. Blend until smooth, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a medium heavy-bottom pot and heat over medium heat until warm, 4 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the arrowroot slurry, whisking until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat.

6. To serve, add sauce to fettuccine and spinach and toss to coat. Serve warm with one piece of cheese crisp per serving.

Each of 6 servings: 693 calories; 14 grams protein; 84 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams fiber; 34 grams fat; 7 grams saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 6 grams sugar; 715 mg sodium.

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