Easy Vegan Pasta Cheese Sauce for Mac and Cheese: Not Nuts or Oil

This vegan pasta cheese sauce makes the fastest mac and cheese that’s not already in a box! Just add some pantry ingredients and spices to cooked pasta with a little nondairy milk, and you have a creamy, dreamy dinner that you’ve made in minutes.

Some days you just need to have a super easy dinner that doesn’t even require you to think. This vegan mac and cheese is the answer to your busy day dinner. 

My other favorite recipes to make when I just don’t have much time are Instant Pot Vegan Black-Eyed Pea Jambalaya, Easy Broccoli with Garlic Sauce Recipe, or Avocado Lemon Basil Pesto.

Don’t Have Any Plant-Based Milk in the Fridge?

Just make a quick oat milk, almond cashew milk, or even a pecan milk and you’ll be ready to go in no time.

If you don’t have any almonds soaked, you can soften them in your Instant Pot and make not raw almond milk!

Is all pasta vegan?

Most dry pasta is vegan, but you should always read the labels to make sure. Most fresh pasta contains eggs unless it clearly states that it is vegan.

If you are avoiding flours, you can always use spiralized veggies in place of pasta. Just lightly saute, then cover in the sauce!

How do you make vegan recipes taste like cheese?

Nutritional yeast is the main way vegan add a cheesy flavor to recipes. There is a variety of aged vegan cheese that you can use as well, but they tend to be expensive.

Who carries vegan cheese?

You can find vegan cheese at all major grocery stores, in addition to Whole Foods, Sprouts, and other health food stores.

Does vegan cheese that tastes like cheese?

Just like everything else, this is pretty subjective. I would say that cultured vegan cheese like the ones from Miyoko’s Creamery is closer to the taste of dairy cheese.

With that said, there are tons of different brands and I’m sure you’ll find some you love.

What is vegan pasta cheese sauce made of?

What I like most about this recipe is that the ingredients are so simple and I always have them on hand in my pantry. 

• nutritional yeast – this gives the sauce a cheesy and umami flavor
• unsweetened non-dairy milk – makes it creamy
• olive oil or vegan butter (optional; leave out to make oil-free) – adds an extra creaminess, but can be left out to make oil-free
• granulated garlic – adds flavor
• smoked paprika – adds a smoky flavor
• vegan lactic acid – this adds a lovely sharpness
• mustard powder – adds a bite like a sharp cheese
• ground turmeric – creates the perfect yellow cheesy color
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How do you make vegan pasta cheese sauce?

First, you cook the pasta according to the package directions, be sure to save some pasta cooking water in case you need it to thin the sauce later. Also don’t rinse the pasta so that the natural starches can help the sauce thicken.

Then just toss in the nutritional yeast, non-dairy milk, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, lactic acid if using, mustard powder, and turmeric. Add salt and pepper to taste, then cook over medium heat until the sauce reaches the desired thickness. Thin with the saved pasta water if needed.

What is smoked paprika?

Smoked paprika, pimenton or sometimes called smoked Spanish paprika, is made by smoking and drying peppers over a fire, then grinding. It’s one of my favorite spices and gives food a deep, smoky taste. It can be used in place of liquid smoke.

How do I store vegan cheese sauce?

You can store it in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The longer it sits, the more liquid you will need to add to loosen it up when you reheat. The pasta will keep absorbing as it sits.

You can make the whole thing ahead of time and just heat it before you serve it if you want to. 

Where can I buy nutritional yeast?

You can buy it in most grocery stores, but it is cheaper to buy it in bulk at your local health food store. I usually buy nutritional yeast on Amazon.

Can nutritional yeast be frozen? 

When sealed and stored in a cold, dry spot in your pantry, nutritional yeast has a shelf life of approximately a year. Or  you can freeze it in sealed bags for up to two years. 

What does nutritional yeast taste like?

Nutritional yeast has a savory taste that is similar to that of cheese, making it a perfect way to add flavor without adding salt, sugar, or fat. It brings a unique umami flavor that mimics both cheese and chicken.

What can I use in place of nutritional yeast?

If you are allergic or sensitive to nutritional yeast you can still make this. Don’t do a one-for-one substitution, but try small amounts of tomato paste or powder, add extra garlic powder or mushroom powder to bring that umami flavors that nutritional yeast brings.

Please note that these substitutions will not be the same cheesy flavor as nutritional yeast, but they will still be delicious. 

Is ground turmeric good for you?

Turmeric, especially its most active compound curcumin, has a long list of scientifically proven health benefits. It’s a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can also help with many issues. Plus, it’s delicious in Instant Pot Turmeric Ginger Tea Concentrate, so you can reduce inflammation and relax from the warming, delicious tea.

Is ground turmeric good for dogs?

Turmeric, on the other hand, is okay for dogs in small doses. If you look at the label of your dog’s food, you might even find it. But the main reason is to improve the kibble’s color, not to have anti-inflammatory benefits.

More vegan cheese recipes to try

• Nut-Free Okara Ricotta
• Pasta Cheese Sauce for Mac and Cheese
• Vegan Cashew Pub Cheese
• Vegan Goat Cheese – no nuts
• Almond Goat Cheese
• No Oil Vegan Pizza Fondue – Made with Oats
• Almond and White Bean Fondue
• DIY Oat Vegan Cheese Powder Recipe
• Easy American Vegan Melty Cheese Recipe
• Oil-Free Pepper Jack Cheese Recipe
• Easy Vegan Parmesan Recipe: Nut-free, Soy-free, and Made with Oats!
• Nut-Free Oat Vegan Queso
• Instant Pot Cauliflower Queso
• Bean Queso
• Vegan Torchy’s Queso Copycat