... Print

Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

A close-up shot of a bowl filled with creamy vegan mac and cheese, featuring penne pasta coated in a rich, orange sauce.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A rich and creamy dairy-free mac and cheese recipe that’s easy to make and satisfying for everyone.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours or boiled for 15 minutes
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Optional: paprika, chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, drain the soaked cashews.
  3. In a high-speed blender, combine the drained cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. This may take a few minutes.
  5. Pour the cheese sauce over the drained macaroni in the pot.
  6. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
  7. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more plant-based milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with paprika or chives if desired.

Notes

  • For a quicker cashew soaking method, boil the raw cashews in water for 15 minutes until softened.
  • Ensure your plant-based milk is unsweetened to avoid altering the flavor of the cheese sauce.
  • Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor; do not substitute it.
  • This recipe is a great base for adding vegetables like steamed broccoli or peas.
  • For a baked version, transfer the sauced pasta to a baking dish, top with vegan breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/vegan-mac-and-cheese-recipe/