Description
This Delicious Creamy Avocado Mac and Cheese is a healthy and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food. Using ripe avocados blended with fresh herbs, spices, and nutritional yeast creates a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s dairy-free, vegan, and packed with nutrients. Ready in just 15 minutes, this pasta dish combines the richness of avocado with the comfort of macaroni, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying midday meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Avocado Sauce Ingredients
- 1 large ripe avocado (or 2 small ones)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (can substitute with spinach)
- 0.25 cup cilantro (optional, omit if not preferred)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
- 0.5 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)
- 1 teaspoon spirulina (optional for color)
Pasta and Sauce Base Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni or elbow pasta (gluten-free option available)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 2 tablespoons flour or arrowroot flour (to thicken)
- 1 cup almond milk (adds creaminess)
Instructions
- Blend the Sauce: Combine all avocado sauce ingredients — avocado, lemon juice, basil, cilantro, garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, almond milk, and spirulina if using — in a high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, rinse under cold water to stop cooking and drain thoroughly. Return the drained pasta to the pot.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 2 minutes or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed garlic and whisk constantly to combine for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually add the almond milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the pan from heat and slowly whisk in the blended avocado sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or nutritional yeast for extra flavor if desired.
- Serve & Garnish: Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot and stir to coat the pasta evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with additional avocado slices or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use ripe avocados for the creamiest sauce and best flavor.
- Substitute cilantro with more basil or spinach if you prefer a milder herb taste.
- Adjust salt and nutritional yeast amounts according to your taste preferences.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure to use gluten-free pasta and arrowroot flour.
- Spirulina is optional and adds a vibrant green color without changing the taste significantly.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture; however, leftovers can be stored and gently reheated with a splash of almond milk.
