Dairy-Free Macaroni and Cheese with Peas

Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of Dairy-Free Macaroni and Cheese with Peas—a wholesome, plant-based twist on a beloved classic. This recipe features tender gluten-free elbow macaroni and bursts of sweetness from vibrant green peas, all coated in a velvety "cheese" sauce made from nutritional yeast, unsweetened almond milk, and a hint of Dijon mustard. Seasoned with aromatic garlic, onion, and warming spices like paprika and turmeric, this dairy-free delight is rich, flavorful, and entirely free of animal products. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness, and you’ve got a healthy, satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Gluten-free elbow macaroni
• 1 cup Frozen peas
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Yellow onion, diced
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Nutritional yeast
• 2 cups Unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric (optional, for color)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0 Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Step 2

In the last minute of pasta cooking, add the frozen peas to the boiling water with the pasta. Drain both the pasta and peas, and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the almond milk and cornstarch until smooth. Add this mixture to the saucepan and stir well.

Step 6

Gradually add the nutritional yeast, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken, approximately 3 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, paprika, turmeric (if using), salt, and black pepper. Continue to stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is creamy.

Step 8

Remove the sauce from heat and add the cooked macaroni and peas. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1195.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1895.1

Total Fat 43.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3048.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 327.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.1g	0%
Total Sugars 15.7g
Protein 47.2g	0%

Vitamin D 175.7IU	0%
Calcium 966.6mg	0%
Iron 11.1mg	0%
Potassium 1318.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 20.8%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 69.2%