Description
A creamy, nut-free vegan mac and cheese made with silken tofu and flavorful seasonings, perfect for a quick and comforting plant-based meal that avoids common allergens.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb. medium shells or elbows
Sauce
- 1 16-oz package silken tofu
- 1/2 cup plain unsweetened non-dairy milk
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp miso paste
- 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 large cloves garlic
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp tapioca starch
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 – 1 tsp sea salt (optional, taste first)
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Prep the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute to achieve an al dente texture. Drain the pasta once done.
- Blend the sauce: Combine silken tofu, non-dairy milk, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, lemon juice, miso paste, yellow mustard, garlic cloves, onion powder, tapioca starch, ground turmeric, salt (optional), and white pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Cover and set aside.
- Bring it together: Return the drained pasta to the pot over medium-low heat. Pour in the vegan cheese sauce and stir well to combine. Heat the mixture for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or white pepper if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot topped with your favorite garnishes such as fresh parsley, smoked paprika, smoked salt, toasted breadcrumbs, vegan bacon, or freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5–7 days. Freezing is not recommended for this recipe as it may affect the texture and taste.
Notes
- Use silken tofu for the creamiest sauce texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your miso paste is already salty.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not freeze leftovers to maintain the quality of the sauce.
- Try different garnishes to customize the dish to your preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan American
