Lazy night in? Refrain from ordering takeout and make this simple, no-fail mac & “cheese” recipe. Made in minutes, this creamy, dairy-free concoction is the epitome of comfort food that’s perfect for Netflix and chill. Chances are, you already have most of these nutritional ingredients (or similar ones you can substitute with) in your kitchen.
Remember to use your intuitive power when it comes to adding your favorite flavors. If you prefer more garlic, salt or pepper, sprinkle in a few extra pinches. This is YOUR lazy meal, so do it up! Oh, and if you’re curious about why we call it “grownup” mac & “cheese,” it’s because we give it a boost with colorful veggies, which also happens to make for a much prettier Instagram photo (wink, wink)!
Ingredients
1 box chickpea pasta (or pasta of choice)
1/4 cup vegan butter
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
3/4 cup homemade oat milk* (or dairy-free milk of choice)
1/2 Tbsp. stone-ground mustard
1 tsp. turmeric (or to taste; this is mostly for color)
Paprika, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Salt & pepper, to taste
Water, as needed
Optional add-ins:
Frozen peas
Diced tomatoes
Chopped kale
Fresh parsley
Directions
1. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, prepare “cheese.”
2. In pot over medium-high, melt vegan butter. Add 1/4 cup water and stir. Add garlic powder, turmeric, paprika and nutritional yeast; continue stirring. Simmer on low.
3. Add homemade oat milk (or dairy-free milk of choice) to “cheese” mixture. Slightly raise heat and stir; adding water until desired creamy consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust flavor by adding additional spices and seasonings if necessary.
4. Drain and rinse pasta. Pour back into pot. Add “cheese” sauce and stir. Mix in optional add-ins (handful frozen peas, diced tomatoes, chopped kale, freshly chopped herbs, etc.).
5. Spoon into bowls and garnish with chopped green onion, Italian seasoning or whatever your heart desires (you’re a grownup—you get to decide!).
*If making homemade oat milk, use blender to combine 3/4 cup oats with 1/2 cup water until it becomes liquid. Use fine-mesh strainer to strain oat milk into bowl. (Store oat pulp for another recipe).
