Dairy-Free Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the creamy comfort of Dairy-Free Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce, a delicious and nourishing alternative to traditional mac and cheese that’s perfect for those avoiding dairy. This vegan recipe features al dente penne pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from blended raw cashews, unsweetened almond milk, and nutritional yeast—a powerhouse of flavor and nutrients. Enhanced with garlic and onion powders, a hint of turmeric for color, and a splash of lemon juice for tang, this dish is both wholesome and irresistibly creamy. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner option that’s ideal for weeknight meals or impressing guests. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra nutritional yeast for a vibrant, gourmet touch.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 2 cups Unsweetened almond milk
- 0.5 cup Nutritional yeast
- 0.5 cup Raw cashews
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
Begin by soaking the raw cashews in boiling water for at least 15 minutes to soften them. This can be done while preparing the other ingredients.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt and the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Drain and set aside.
After soaking, drain the cashews and add them to a blender. Combine with almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, olive oil, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. This will form the base of your dairy-free cheese sauce.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the cashew cheese mixture. Stir continuously with a whisk to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Slowly incorporate 1 cup of water as it warms to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Once the sauce is heated through, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta, ensuring it is evenly coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve the dairy-free penne pasta warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or a pinch more nutritional yeast, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1921 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.0 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.4 g | 47% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2679 mg | 116% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 280.6 g | 102% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.3 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.3 g | ||
| Protein | 61.7 g | 123% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.4 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 901 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 19.2 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 1498 mg | 32% | |
*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.
