Vegan Mac and Cheese with Cashew Cream Sauce

Vegan Mac and Cheese with Cashew Cream Sauce

4 servings
Everyone adores this rich and creamy stovetop Vegan Mac and Cheese with velvety smooth cashew cream sauce. Readers agree "this recipe has it all...looks, texture, and taste!" The ultimate one-pot vegan comfort food meal on the table in 25 minutes. Enjoy right out of the pot or bake with buttery breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Add broccoli for a dose of veg and serve with hot sauce!

Ingredients

  • raw cashews
    1 c
  • elbow pasta
    8 oz
  • broccoli florets
    4 c
  • extra virgin olive oil
    ½ tbsp
  • onion
    1 medium
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp
  • fine sea salt (more
    1 tsp
  • turmeric
    ½ tsp
  • smoked paprika
    ½ tsp
  • hot sauce
    1 tsp
  • lemon juice
    2 tbsp
  • water
    1 ¼ c
  • nutritional yeast
    ¼ c
  • Optional: 2 cups spinach

Directions

  1. 1

    Place cashews in a small bowl and cover with very hot water. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Cook pasta according to package directions. When 2-3 minutes are remaining, add broccoli. Once pasta is al dente, drain and return to pot.

  3. 3

    Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and a pinch of salt and cook for 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add garlic powder, salt, turmeric, and paprika, stirring for a minute. Carefully transfer onion mixture to a blender.

  4. 4

    Add greens to same pan, sautéing over medium heat for a couple minutes or until wilted. Set aside.

  5. 5

    Add drained cashews, hot sauce, lemon juice, water, and nutritional yeast to blender (I used my Nutribullet) and blend until very smooth and creamy.

  6. 6

    Pour sauce into pot with pasta and broccoli. Stir in cooked greens if using. Taste and add salt if needed (I add another 1/4 tsp). I love serving with plenty of Frank's hot sauce!

Vegan Mac and Cheese with Cashew Cream Sauce

Vegan Mac and Cheese with Cashew Cream Sauce

30 min4 servings480 cal

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About this Recipe

The Ultimate Vegan Mac and Cheese with Velvety Cashew Cream Sauce

Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate Vegan Mac and Cheese! This isn't just any dairy-free pasta dish; it's a rich, creamy, and undeniably satisfying one-pot wonder that's ready in just 25 minutes. Our recipe features a luscious, velvety cashew cream sauce that delivers on all fronts – taste, texture, and appearance – making it a true plant-based comfort food masterpiece. No need for complicated ingredients or lengthy steps; this stovetop sensation brings that nostalgic mac and cheese goodness to your table, completely dairy-free.

What makes this stovetop vegan mac and cheese so special? It's all about that incredible sauce. Raw cashews blend into a smooth, decadent cream when combined with nutritional yeast for a cheesy umami flavor, a hint of lemon juice for brightness, and a touch of smoked paprika for depth. An optional pinch of turmeric gives it that classic golden hue, making it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Plus, it's designed for efficiency, getting a wholesome, hearty meal on the table in record time.

Customize Your Comfort

This versatile vegan mac and cheese recipe is perfect on its own, but it also welcomes delicious additions. We love stirring in fresh broccoli florets for a boost of greens and texture, transforming it into a complete meal. For an extra kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, like Frank's Red Hot, truly elevates the flavors. Feeling fancy? Serve it right out of the pot, or transfer it to a baking dish, top with buttery breadcrumbs, and bake until golden for an irresistible crispy crunch. You can even fold in a couple of cups of fresh spinach at the end for an extra dose of vibrant nutrition!

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