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Vegan Mac and Cheese (with Cashew Sauce!)

A healthier mac and cheese made dairy-free with a cashew cheese sauce! Protein-rich and great paired with steamed broccoli.

Prep Time
30 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 medium bowls
Calories: 351 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan , gluten-free

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. small pasta (gluten-free if desired)
For the cashew cheese sauce:
  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked*)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
  • 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp. salt (more/less to taste)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, leaving al dente (slightly firm, not mushy). Drain when finished.
  2. Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce: Place all sauce ingredients in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
  3. In a large pan over medium to medium-low heat, add cheese sauce. Heat for about 6-7 minutes, stirring often until slightly thickened.
  4. Add drained pasta and stir well. Cook for 3 minutes or until sauce is desired thickness. Serve while warm.

Notes

  • *Soaking cashews: Before blending, soak the cashews in room temperature water for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. Then drain and rinse before using. Alternatively, you can "quick soak" the cashews: Place cashews in a heat-safe bowl and carefully add hot/boiling water until cashews are covered. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes. Then rinse and drain.
  • Place cashews in a heat-safe bowl and carefully add hot/boiling water until cashews are covered. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes. Then rinse and drain.
  • Yield: This recipe makes about 8-9 cups mac and cheese. Feel free to halve or reduce if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories 351kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 52g (17%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Potassium 364mg (10%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 332IU (7%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 23mg (2%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6medium bowls

Amount Per Serving

Calories 351

% Daily Value*

Calories 351kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 52g 17%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Potassium 364mg 8%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 332IU 7%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.