Creamy Veggie-Packed Mac and Cheese

Welcome to my kitchen! There are few dishes as universally loved as a warm, comforting bowl of mac and cheese. This version is my go-to for satisfying that craving while nourishing the body with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. We create a beautifully rich and velvety sauce from roasted butternut squash and creamy cashews, so you can indulge in every bite. It’s a wonderfully sneaky way to add extra vegetables to your family’s plate, and I promise, no one will miss the traditional version. Let’s get cooking!

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Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milk
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs toasted with 1 tbsp olive oil for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
2. While the squash is roasting, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Drain the soaked cashews.
4. In a high-speed blender, combine the roasted butternut squash, drained cashews, onion, garlic, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Blend on high until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. This may take a couple of minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a large pot or bowl, pour the creamy squash sauce over the cooked pasta. Stir gently until every piece of pasta is generously coated.
6. Serve immediately, topped with toasted panko breadcrumbs if desired. This dish is best enjoyed warm and fresh!

Nutrition Information

*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.