Craving a guilt-free, mouthwatering mac and cheese that doesn't compromise on flavor? Get ready to transform your dinner game with this revolutionary vegan butternut squash noodle dish that proves plant-based eating can be absolutely delicious! This recipe isn't just another boring health food - it's a creamy, dreamy culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash noodles
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup almond milk
Instructions
- Soak raw cashews in hot water for 30 minutes to soften, ensuring a creamy sauce texture. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Spiralize or carefully slice butternut squash into noodle-like strands using a spiralizer or mandoline, removing seeds and skin first.
- In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, almond milk, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add butternut squash noodles and sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pour the cashew cheese sauce over the butternut squash noodles, gently tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast as desired for enhanced flavor.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with optional fresh herbs like chives or parsley if preferred.
Tips
- Cashew Soaking Secret: Always use hot water when soaking cashews to reduce preparation time and ensure a silky-smooth sauce texture.
- Spiralizer vs. Knife: If you don't have a spiralizer, use a sharp mandoline or vegetable peeler to create your butternut squash noodles.
- Sauce Consistency Hack: If your sauce is too thick, add a little more almond milk to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- Flavor Boosting Tip: Toast some nutritional yeast lightly before adding to intensify its cheesy, nutty flavor profile.
- Storage Recommendation: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat gently to maintain sauce texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
