Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe Cashew Creamy and Easy

Who says comfort food can’t be vegan, creamy, and delicious? This Vegan Mac and Cheese with Cashew recipe is here to prove just that!

Rich, velvety, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish will satisfy your cheesy cravings without any dairy. Cashews serve as the secret ingredient, offering a naturally creamy texture that blends perfectly with nutritional yeast and spices for that iconic cheesy flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this mac and cheese recipe is a must-try.

It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s gluten-free if you opt for GF pasta, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Dive into this comforting bowl of goodness that everyone at the table will love — even the non-vegans!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan mac and cheese recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses cashews to create a creamy, luscious sauce that mimics traditional cheese without any dairy.

It’s packed with flavor from nutritional yeast, garlic, and a hint of mustard, giving it that classic tangy, cheesy taste.

It’s also incredibly versatile – you can easily add veggies, swap out spices, or use different pasta shapes to keep things interesting. Best of all, it’s made from whole-food ingredients, so you’re nourishing your body while indulging in comfort food.

Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress guests with a simple yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20 minutes)
• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
• Optional: pinch of turmeric for color
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• High-speed blender or food processor
• Colander for draining pasta
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Medium saucepan (optional, for warming sauce)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cashews: Soak the raw cashews in hot water for at least 20 minutes to soften. Drain before blending.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the cashew cheese sauce: In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, and turmeric (if using). Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. Heat the sauce: Pour the blended sauce into a medium saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring frequently. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat all the noodles evenly.
6. Serve and garnish: Transfer the mac and cheese to bowls or a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: Soaking cashews in hot water helps them blend more easily and results in a silkier sauce. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-roasted cashews or even cashew butter as a shortcut, but the texture may vary slightly.

• Add veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder for a smoky heat.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Make it cheesy: Increase the nutritional yeast to 1/3 cup for a stronger cheesy flavor.
• Try other nuts: For a different twist, substitute cashews with blanched almonds or macadamia nuts, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will change.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness of the dish. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic sautéed kale.

Looking for more creamy vegan sauces? Check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to expand your plant-based cooking repertoire.

You might also enjoy pairing this mac with freshly baked bread—try the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for an easy homemade option.

For a twist on your vegetable sides, explore Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals that bring vibrant colors and flavors to your table.

Conclusion

This Vegan Mac and Cheese with Cashew recipe is a delicious, wholesome alternative to traditional mac and cheese that doesn’t compromise on flavor or creaminess. Using simple, natural ingredients, it’s easy to whip up a comforting meal that satisfies any craving for cheesy goodness while staying entirely plant-based.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is versatile and customizable. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Plus, with its nourishing ingredients, it supports a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste. Give this recipe a try and discover how delightful vegan comfort food can be!

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