Dairy-Free Classic Shells and Cheese
Indulge in comfort food perfection with this Dairy-Free Classic Shells and Cheese, a vegan twist on the beloved classic. This creamy, plant-based recipe delivers all the cheesy goodness you crave without a drop of dairy. The velvety "cheese" sauce, made from soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and unsweetened almond milk, is rich, tangy, and packed with nutrients. A hint of lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika adds depth and flavor, while optional turmeric creates a warm, golden hue. Tossed with tender pasta shells, this delightful dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option for weeknights. Perfect for vegans, dairy-free eaters, or anyone looking for a wholesome and indulgent meal, serve this creamy pasta with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete, crowd-pleasing feast! Keywords: dairy-free shells and cheese, vegan mac and cheese alternative, plant-based comfort food recipe.
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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
Directions
Step 1
Start by soaking the raw cashews in warm water for at least 2 hours to soften them. Drain the cashews when ready to use.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
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.
Step 6
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
Step 7
Serve immediately while warm, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1988.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2255.7 |
| Total Fat 88.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 14.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2736.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 301.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 19.7g | |
| Protein 76.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 175.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1034.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 16.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1780.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories