Dairy-Free Classic Shells and Cheese
Indulge in the comforting nostalgia of mac and cheese with a modern twist—this Dairy-Free Classic Shells and Cheese recipe is the perfect plant-based alternative! Featuring tender medium pasta shells smothered in a lusciously creamy "cheese" sauce made from soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and unsweetened almond milk, this dish delivers rich, cheesy flavor without a drop of dairy. Hints of garlic, onion, and a dash of turmeric (for that classic golden hue) elevate the sauce to decadent perfection. Ready in just 35 minutes, this wholesome recipe is ideal for a quick weekday dinner or a crowd-pleasing side. Whether you're vegan, dairy-intolerant, or simply looking to branch out, this dairy-free mac and cheese is sure to satisfy. Garnish with paprika or fresh herbs for a vibrant, delicious finish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Medium pasta shells
- 1 cup Raw cashews
- 1 cup Nutritional yeast
- 2 cups Unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.25 tsp Turmeric (optional, for color)
- 4 cups Water
Instructions
Start by soaking the raw cashews in warm water for at least 2 hours to soften them. Drain the cashews when ready to use.
Once the cashews are ready, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, and turmeric (if using). Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This will be your cheese sauce.
Transfer the cheese sauce to a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as you cook the sauce, allowing it to thicken, which should take about 3–5 minutes.
Once the sauce is thickened to your desired consistency, add the cooked pasta shells to the saucepan and gently fold them into the sauce, ensuring each shell is generously coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
Serve immediately while warm, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2256 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 88.8 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.9 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2736 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 301.6 g | 110% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.7 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.7 g | ||
| Protein | 76.7 g | 153% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.4 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 1035 mg | 80% | |
| Iron | 16.1 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 1781 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
