Description
This Delicious Creamy Avocado Mac and Cheese is a healthy and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food. Creamy avocado blended with fresh herbs and nutritional yeast creates a luscious, dairy-free cheese sauce that coats tender macaroni pasta perfectly. Ready in just 15 minutes, this vegan, gluten-free-friendly recipe is perfect for a quick dinner that everyone will crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Avocado Sauce
- 1 large ripe avocado (or 2 small ones)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh works best)
- 1 cup basil leaves (fresh, can swap with spinach)
- 0.25 cup cilantro (omit if not a fan)
- 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 & Sauce Base
- 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: Add the avocado, lemon juice, basil leaves, cilantro, garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, 0.5 cup almond milk, and optional spirulina to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water, then return the pasta to the pot to keep warm.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed garlic and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Gradually add 1 cup almond milk while whisking until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce base.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the sauce base from heat and gently whisk in the blended avocado mixture until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Season to Taste: Taste the avocado cheese sauce and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor if desired.
- Mix with Pasta: Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot and stir thoroughly to coat all the macaroni evenly.
- Serve & Garnish: Serve the mac and cheese immediately, optionally garnished with slices of avocado or your favorite toppings such as chopped herbs or chili flakes.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, substitute almond milk with oat or rice milk.
- If fresh basil is unavailable, spinach works well as a substitute.
- Omit cilantro if you do not enjoy its flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta and arrowroot flour to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- Adding spirulina is optional and provides a vibrant green color plus extra nutrients.
- Adjust salt and nutritional yeast according to your taste preferences for a cheesier flavor.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture as avocado may oxidize and change color if left too long.
