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Vegan Mac and Cheese with Roasted Garlic and Smoked Paprika

This vegan mac and cheese features a silky, cheesy sauce made from blended cashews, nutritional yeast, roasted garlic, and smoked paprika, offering a rich and comforting dish. The sauce is warmed until smooth and thickened, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a creamy, gooey final texture with a smoky depth and vibrant flavor. It’s a cozy, plant-based twist on classic comfort food that’s both satisfying and deeply flavorful.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup soaked cashews soak for at least 2 hours or boil for 10 minutes
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast adds cheesy umami flavor
  • 1 clove roasted garlic squeeze out of roasted bulb
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for smoky depth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice brightens the sauce
  • 1 cup plant-based milk unsweetened almond or oat milk
  • 8 oz pasta preferably gluten-free or traditional
  • Olive oil for roasting garlic optional

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Blender
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cup

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. If roasting garlic, wrap a whole bulb in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes until soft and fragrant. Once cooled, squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves.
  3. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, roasted garlic, smoked paprika, lemon juice, and plant-based milk. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes, stopping to scrape down sides if needed.
  4. Pour the sauce into a medium saucepan and warm over medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a spatula or spoon until it begins to shimmer and thickens, about 3–5 minutes. If it becomes too thick, add a splash more plant milk to loosen it.
  5. Transfer the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling to the noodles.
  6. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to settle. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or fresh herbs if desired, for an inviting, cheesy look.