A creamy, dreamy dish that elevates a classic favorite without the fuss of traditional methods. This recipe is easy to prepare and offers a delightful twist on the classic mac and cheese with a rich and creamy cheese sauce that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients
Scale:
2 cups macaroni (or your choice of pasta)
2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any dairy-free milk)
1 cup nutty, dairy-free cheese alternative (e.g., nutritional yeast, cashew cheese)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
Instructions
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
While the pasta cooks, in a separate saucepan, combine the almond milk, nutty cheese alternative, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder. Whisk together over medium heat until the mixture is warm and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Don't let it boil.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Return the pasta to the pot.
Pour the cheese sauce over the drained pasta, stirring well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired creamy consistency.
Stir in the olive oil or vegan butter until melted and fully incorporated, adding richness to your creamy mac and cheese recipe.
Serve immediately while hot. For an extra indulgent twist, consider topping it with breadcrumbs and baking until golden brown, or adding cooked vegetables for an enhanced flavor.
