Creamy Vegan Mac & Cheese

At the heart of this Creamy Cashew Vegan Mac & Cheese are a few key ingredients that not only contribute to its rich flavor and texture but also pack a nutritional punch. Let’s take a closer look at each component and its benefits.

Discover the joy of plant-based comfort food with Creamy Cashew Vegan Mac & Cheese, a flavorful twist on the classic dish. This nutritious recipe uses simple ingredients like cashews, almond milk, and nutritional yeast to create a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it's easy to make and satisfying for everyone, whether you're vegan or just looking for healthier meal options. Embrace delicious, guilt-free indulgence!

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Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni (or gluten-free pasta of your choice)

1 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for at least 4 hours)

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any preferred plant-based milk)

1/4 cup nutritional yeast (adds cheesy flavor)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for brightness)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth and smokiness)

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (for a lovely golden color)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)

Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring enough water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Carefully toss in the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions, aiming for an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a high-speed blender or a food processor, add the soaked and drained cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric powder, along with salt and black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the cayenne pepper as well. Blend on high speed until the mixture reaches a velvety smooth and creamy consistency. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add more almond milk until you achieve your desired texture.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni with the luscious cheese sauce. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold and mix until every piece of pasta is uniformly coated with the sauce. For a bit of warmth, you can transfer the mixture back to a heated pan and stir continuously for a minute to slightly warm through.

Taste and Adjust: Before serving, take a moment to taste your mac and cheese. Feel free to adjust the flavor by adding additional lemon juice, salt, or nutritional yeast to enhance the cheesiness according to your preference.

Serve: Spoon generous portions into bowls, garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately and savor your deliciously creamy vegan comfort food!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings