Let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare Cashews (if not already soaked)

If you haven’t soaked the cashews for at least 4 hours, boil them in water for 10 minutes to soften them. Drain the boiled cashews.

Step 3: Blend Sauce Ingredients

In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked or boiled cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper.

Blend until completely smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, depending on your blender. If the sauce is too thick, add water, a little at a time (up to 1/4 cup), until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Heat Sauce

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Pour in the blended cheese sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked and drained pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce.

Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Vegan Mac and Cheese hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and comforting plant-based meal!