Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
One Pot Healthy Mac And Cheese - featured image

One Pot Healthy Mac And Cheese: Easy Bright & Punchy

  • Author: jonathan_evans
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, tangy, and healthy one-pot mac and cheese that uses cauliflower and nutritional yeast for a rich sauce without heavy cream. It’s quick, easy, and packed with bright flavors from lemon and mustard.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 8 oz pasta (elbows, shells, or cavatappi; whole wheat or chickpea recommended)
  • 1 small yellow onion or 1/2 white onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut cauliflower into small florets. Chop onion and mince garlic.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large 6-quart pot over medium heat. Add onion and a pinch of salt; cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add cauliflower florets and vegetable broth to the pot. Ensure liquid barely covers vegetables.
  5. Add dry pasta and stir to submerge. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta and cauliflower are tender.
  6. Remove pot from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Blend the mixture directly in the pot using an immersion blender (or transfer to a standard blender) until smooth.
  8. Stir in nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend briefly to combine.
  9. If using cheddar, stir it in now to melt.
  10. Serve immediately, topped with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick after blending, add a splash of milk or water to reach desired consistency. Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in residual heat. Blend while hot for the smoothest texture. This recipe does not freeze well.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 8
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Carbohydrates: 55
  • Fiber: 8
  • Protein: 12

Keywords: healthy mac and cheese, one pot meal, cauliflower mac and cheese, vegetarian, gluten-free option, quick dinner, comfort food

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://platepure.com/one-pot-healthy-mac-and-cheese-easy-bright-and-punchy/