There's something so deeply comforting about a bowl of pasta. Macaroni and cheese is one of the more difficult dishes to give up when transitioning to a plant based diet for many.Fear not, because this Vegan Mac and Cheese recipe is here to satisfy those cravings. Despite being completely plant-based, it's every bit as rich, creamy, and flavorful as the traditional version. We'll be using a combination of cashews, nutritional yeast, and various spices to create a cheese-like sauce that's out-of-this-world delicious. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck with friends, or even for meal prep during the week. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this Vegan Mac and Cheese is a dish you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Ensure not to overcook the pasta, as you will be heating it again later after adding the sauce.
Drain the water from the macaroni and set aside.
In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the soaked and drained cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If it's too thick, add a little more almond milk.
Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot, stirring well to combine.
Heat the pot over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mac and cheese is heated through.
Serve your vegan mac and cheese hot, with a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast or smoked paprika on top if desired. Enjoy this creamy, comforting dish!