Craving a comforting bowl of mac and cheese but want to keep it plant-based? Look no further! Our Creamy Vegan Mac n Cheese is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. With a rich, velvety sauce made from cashews and nutritional yeast, this dish will have you questioning why you ever needed dairy in the first place. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe promises to satisfy your cheesy cravings without any guilt. Dive into this mouthwatering vegan delight and discover how simple it is to enjoy a classic favorite with a twist!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by soaking the cashews in water for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This will help soften them for blending. If you're short on time, you can soak them in hot water for about 20-30 minutes instead.
- Once the cashews are soaked, drain and rinse them under cold water. Set them aside.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is well combined.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the macaroni in a colander and return it to the pot.
- Pour the creamy cashew sauce over the drained macaroni in the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring that all the pasta is coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Heat the pot over low heat for a few minutes, stirring continuously until everything is warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Once heated, remove from heat and serve immediately. You can garnish with additional nutritional yeast or freshly chopped herbs if desired. Enjoy your creamy vegan mac n cheese!
Tips
- Soak Cashews Ahead of Time: For the best texture, soak your cashews for at least 2 hours or overnight. If you're in a hurry, hot water can speed up the process—just soak them for 20-30 minutes.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If your sauce turns out too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This will help achieve that perfect creamy texture!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the sauce by adding spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a little kick, or even blend in some sautéed onions or roasted garlic for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Garnish your mac n cheese with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or sprinkle additional nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy finish. You can also add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and taste.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of almond milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
