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Creamy Vegan Nutritional Yeast Mac and Cheese

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A quick and easy vegan mac and cheese recipe using nutritional yeast and blended cashews to create a creamy, cheesy sauce without dairy. Perfect for beginners and comforting on any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (225 grams), cooked al dente
  • 3/4 cup raw cashews (115 grams), soaked in hot water for at least 20 minutes
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast (30 grams)
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk (360 ml), such as almond or oat milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soak the cashews: Place 3/4 cup raw cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes to soften. For a quicker soak, use boiling water for 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/4 cup pasta water.
  3. Make the sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender with 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant milk, 1/3 cup nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground pepper. Blend on high until smooth and creamy (1-2 minutes).
  4. Heat the sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter if using. Stir constantly and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir gently to coat. Heat together for 1-2 minutes until hot.
  6. Serve immediately: Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika.

Notes

Soak cashews for at least 20 minutes for a creamy sauce; longer soaking or a powerful blender improves smoothness. Stir sauce constantly over medium heat to avoid scorching. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness. Optional add-ins include steamed broccoli, peas, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked lentils for extra nutrition and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan mac and cheese, nutritional yeast recipe, dairy-free mac and cheese, creamy vegan pasta, easy vegan dinner

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/creamy-vegan-nutritional-yeast-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-beginners/