This quick and creamy vegan mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, made with tender pasta shells coated in a cheesy, gooey sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be garnished to taste!
Ingredients:
Mac & Cheese:
56 tablespoons unsweetened plain almond milk (or substitute with another neutralflavored milk like oat or rice)
1 healthy pinch of sea salt
1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
2 cups pasta shells (glutenfree if needed — Banza brand is recommended)
3/4 cup vegan cheddar cheese (plus more to taste)
For Serving (Optional):
Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Fill a medium saucepan a little more than halfway with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente (approximately 9 minutes). Be careful not to overcook as the shells will continue cooking with the cheese sauce.
2. Drain the Pasta:
Drain the pasta using a colander, or, if your saucepan has a draining feature, simply cover and drain directly. Return the pasta to the saucepan.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
Immediately add the vegan cheddar cheese, almond milk (starting with the lesser amount), salt, and nutritional yeast to the drained pasta.
Stir over low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese melts and creates a gooey sauce that evenly coats the shells. If the cheddar isn’t melting, cover the pot briefly to encourage melting.
4. Serve:
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with red pepper flakes and vegan Parmesan cheese if desired.
5. Store Leftovers:
Cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 12 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over mediumlow heat, adding a splash of dairyfree milk if needed to thin.
Recipe Details:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 23 servings
Tips for Success:
Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of vegan cheese for a unique flavor, such as mozzarella or a spicy jalapeño version.
Creamier Sauce: For a richer sauce, add more almond milk or stir in a tablespoon of vegan butter.
Extra Flavor: Add sautéed veggies or spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for more depth of flavor.
Enjoy your creamy and satisfying vegan mac and cheese! Perfect for a comforting meal or side dish. 🌱
