Easy one-pot vegan mac & cheese that’s gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free! The perfect quick, healthy, protein-packed dinner recipe, ready in less than 10 minutes, making it one weeknight family favorite where moms and kids approve!
Let’s…get…CHEESY! You know I love my mac & cheese, even the fancier versions. I think it’s safe to say that my favorite pasta dish is mac and cheese. It always has been, from Kraft, to Easy Mac, and now to vegan mac and cheese. If you were to ask me today, I would say I’m not a pasta person, now a cheese person (of course), but when it comes to some mac attack…I can’t help myself!
Who doesn’t love a big bowl of mac & cheese? No one, that’s who! Not liking mac and cheese is attune to not liking chocolate. A sad, sad disgrace! Mac and Cheese is the #1 “cheese recipe” in the US and one of the top 10 comfort foods! (And I bet that’s not even taking into account the vegan versions!)
Kraft sells 1 million boxes of the good stuff in a single day. It’s an American favorite, no doubt about it. “America, land of macaroni and cheese”! (We’re called the “melting pot”, so maybe that means the melting pot of mac and cheese). The first known “recipe” for macaroni and cheese was written in the 13th century in Southern Italy using lasagna sheets and parmesan!
Just so y’all have concrete evidence that my mac and cheese PLUS ketchup addiction is not crazy, check this out. (I think I should move to Canada too…it’s their number one combo of our #1 cheesy recipe!) It’s kind of like pizza. Carbs, cheese, and tomato…just in a more fun form you can eat in a bowl and where it’s not a sin to eat with a fork!
Now for this EASY mac, all you need is a pot, a box of Banza, nooch, and some baby food. Plus that bottle of ketchup (the most important part!) It’s the same as my curry version just sans the curry spices! Sometimes you have to go back to your roots and keep it super simple. Nothing fancy, just a heaping bowl of this stuff that happens to be vegan (dairy-free, egg-free), gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free! BAM!
Vegan mac and cheese hot, cold, with ketchup, with bbq sauce, with curry, with peas (peas are always good in mac), in a bowl, on a plate, with a fork, with a spoon…maybe your hands…However you dish it up, this one-pot vegan mac and cheese will only leave you feeling comforted, healthy, and full of plant-powered love in a much more modern version of the ultimate American classic (traditional American mac may have originated in New England church potlucks or from Thomas Jefferson bringing a recipe idea over. No one is sure, but it is an American must!)
One-Pot Vegan Mac & Cheese
One-Pot Vegan Mac & Cheese
Easy one-pot vegan mac & cheese that’s gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free! The perfect quick, healthy, protein-packed dinner recipe, ready in less than 10 minutes, making it one weeknight family favorite where moms and kids approve!
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Total Time: 8 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 8oz Box of Banza Chickpea Elbow Pasta (or Gluten-Free Ronzoni Elbow Pasta)
- 1/4 Cup Nutritional Yeast
- 1/2 Cup Carrot Puree (1 baby food jar)
- 1/2 Tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 Tsp Turmeric
- 1/4 Tsp Paprika
- 1/4 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1/8 Tsp Garlic Powder (to taste)
- Pinch of White Pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the pasta in boiling water according to box directions (about 6-7 minutes).
- Drain and rinse the pasta, then add it back to the pot. Pour in the carrot puree, nutritional yeast, mustard, and spices. Mix well to combine.
Notes
*If your carrot puree wasn’t “watery” enough, feel free to reserve a few tablespoons of the pasta water and add that back to the pot as well when mixing in the “cheese” ingredients.
**You can use your favorite elbow pasta of course. My other favorite (not grain-free) is TruRoots.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
But don’t forget the most important part…the KETCHUP! Eating the leftovers the next day is my favorite part too of course. Nothing like reheated mac and cheese! That was always my favorite growing up and still is to this day! If I were in prison and they asked me what I wanted for my last meal, I may be inclined to say reheated leftover vegan mac and cheese with ketchup…okay, and pancakes, a potato, and this chicken…I digress!
So tell me:
+ Are you part of the mac and cheese loving population?
+ What would your last meal be in prison? You know, I would request to cook it myself too…
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Starr says
WoW! That’s a lot of KD!!! Back in the days when I did eat it, the addition of ketchup was an absolute must…. Now off to get myself some pureed carrots.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Ketchup will always be a must!!
Deborah Davis says
This is my idea of healthy comfort food. I can’t wait to make this yummy recipe for vegan mac and cheese!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
The ultimate comfort!
Nikki says
You and your catsup fetish crack me up. When I was young my mom wouldn make us macaroni and fried egg in a one-pot meal. It was my brother’s and sister’s favorite thing to do to slather it with catsup. This really reminds me of that. My daughter loves macaroni and cheese and she’s a vegetarian, I’m going to have to send this recipe to her. Thanks for sharing I always find your combinations creative and interesting.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Why do you spell it that way?
kimmythevegan says
Look at you and your allergy free awesomeness! This recipe sounds great. I would never have guessed carrot would make a good cheesy-sauce. So much lighter than cashew and coconut.
“Who doesn’t love a big bowl of mac & cheese? No one, that’s who! Not liking mac and cheese is attune to not liking chocolate.”
Uh yea! I totally grew up on the stuff. It’s funny you shared the link about Canada and ketchup. We actually call it Kraft Dinner in Canada – whether it’s made from the brand or not haha. It’s just a thing we do. I still call it that now that I live in the States and people find it confusing and funny. Oh and my dad always added tomato juice to ours, so that’s how I like mine ;p Weird, but delicious – like ketchup I imagine.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahaha! I like “Kraft Dinner” simple and you know what it is 😉
I have to try tossing in some tomato juice next time! Cook it right in!
Kristen @ The Endless Meal says
Great idea on the carrot puree! My sister used to put mashed sweet potatoes in her mac and cheese to sneak in a few extra veggies when her son was little and it worked like a charm. Going to have to try this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Ah, the carrot is even better 😉
masala girl says
girl you are the QUEEN of vegan mac. love this!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahahahaha 😉 Thank you, I will gladly take that title!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
I use carrot in my mac & cheese, too! It adds such amazing color and that perfect contrasting sweetness. Though I do skip the ketchup 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You can’t skip the ketchup!!! 😉
Farrah says
hahaha, I actually used to hate mac & cheese, but I disliked most types of cheese back then (mozzarella was the only type I’d eat), so I think I would supersuper love this! <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, now-a-days I don’t understand the appeal of cheese, but this vegan mac…no other!!!
Rebecca Dickinson says
What an easy and delicious looking recipe! Definitely want to pick up some nutritional yeast so I can give this recipe a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You’ll love it!! If you’ve never had nooch before, you will be amazed 😉
Edye says
This looks so yummy and easy to make! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is super easy!
Wendy says
This looks like a really good mac n cheese. I have to say, I’ve never tried ketchup on mac n cheese.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You must do it, Wendy!
Marla says
HI Rebecca,
Sounds like a wonderful healthy alternative to conventional mac&cheese which is a favorite American dish. Pinned & tweeted!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It sure is!
Emily says
Wow, the color of this is exactly like regular mac n’ cheese! This is so genius Rebecca, and I am 100% with you on the ketchup + mac n’ cheese. Perfect childhood meal.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It is seriously the best thing!
Carly @ FitLiving Eats says
OH YUM. Can I come over? I loved Kraft mac n cheese as kid and still do as an adult.. ha! I would’ve never thought of carrot puree, but once again, genius! Pinned 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
This gives Kraft a run for their money 😉
Annmarie says
This looks amazing! Pinned for later 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Vicki Montague says
Great recipe! I always make mine with cashew nuts so this is really cool!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Ah, yea! No nuts here!
Diana says
I’ve never thought of making a vegan mac n cheese but love the idea of the carrot puree!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well everyone needs mac and cheese!
Nicole | The Professional Mom Project says
This looks amazing! Love that it’s nut, gluten and dairy free. I’ll have to give it a try.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you enjoy!
Hannah says
What a smart “cheese” sauce- I love the idea of using carrots as the base! I’ll have to try it next time I’m craving a bit of mac and cheese goodness.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I love the carrots as they add no unneeded taste!
POPPY says
Wow! What an interesting and clever spin on vegan mac and cheese! And so easy! I can’t wait to try this. And the ketchup is so my husband. He’d have ketchup on cake if I let him!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
A sign of a good man 😉
Hannah says
Yessss! Girl, you’re always speaking my language. Mac and cheese has been having such a moment in our house lately. Though, in my opinion it is sacrilege to put ketchup on a perfect plate of mac and cheese. But to each his own!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
What!? NO!!! Why!!!? Are you a ketchup hater??? I’m shocked :O
Celeste | The Whole Serving says
I serve vegan cheesey dishes to my friends and family all the time and I don’t tell them it’s vegan. They eat it up and ask for more. So much healthier. Love it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Right? No one needs dairy!
Kelly @ TastingPage says
I love my mac and cheese with BBQ sauce. People always look at my weird, but it’s the best. Love the healthy recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
BBQ sauce is great to (after ketchup) 😉
nadia says
I’m not sure if I’ve ever had mac n cheese. I’ve always avoided it because I knew the combination of simple carbs and dairy didn’t sit well with me! This on the other hand being gluten AND dairy-free! You genius you! I must try this 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
This is going to change your life, my friend!
Manju | Cooking Curries says
I can’t believe how delicious and creamy that looks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Jenna @ A Savory Feast says
I love ketchup on mac and cheese, too! Lately I’ve been craving pasta like crazy. I’ll have to try this better for me version.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It will make you feel like a superstar 😉
Akansha Agrawal says
No cheese and no nuts? That’s amazing! I have finally found a reason to by nutritional yeast!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Nooch is all we need!!!
mia says
I’m not even vegan and this recipe is making my mouth water.. love how few ingredients there are too! ketchup is my absolute favorite sauce but I have never thought to eat it on mac and cheese.. going to have to try it! thank you for sharing 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’m going to say this will be your new favorite quick meal!! 😉
Kristina says
I have done the ketchup things before… it’s similar to my BBQ sauce on grilled cheese 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Everything is better with sauce, eh? Haha! Love BBQ sauce too!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
Love the hidden veg in this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Always sneaking it in!
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says
An interesting take on Mac and Cheese with the carrot puree. Such a gorgeous comfort food.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
The best comfort food!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
Loving the carrot puree/nutritional yeast sauce! I’ve seen vegan cheese made with butternut squash or cashews but this is totally different. I am dying to try it. Because you’re right, who DOESN’T like mac and cheese?!?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You must! This is such a favorite in my house (I was surprised) but it is delish!!!
Laura | Wandercooks says
Yummmm, doesn’t this look all kinds of delish?! Love the mix of spices, I can almost taste them now. They’d give a gorgeous colour and flavour to the dish. Not sure I’m 100% sold on nutritional yeast (yet), so I might have to cheat at least the first time and use some soft n melty cheese instead, but I promise I’ll try the proper version one day! Until then, viva la mac and cheese! 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
This will sell you on nutritional yeast!
Elle @ Only Taste Matters says
Mac and cheese is one of my favorites (no surprise there). These photos are literally causing a craving. Not sure if I love or hate you right now 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahahaha 😉 Well I hope it’s a little of both! Enough love for the recipe but hate that will force you to make this asap!
amanda -runtothefinish says
perfect timing!! my husband loves mac and cheese, but I’m dairy free so I hate making it, now I can trick him and feel good!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You’ll both love this!
The Food Hunter says
this sounds super tasty
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It sure is!
Evi @ greenevi says
This recipe is everything! I’ve seen and tried many mac & cheese recipes, but this one-pot version is definitely the most genius of all! I hate washing dishes 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You are going to love this! It is my GO-TO mac recipe everytime!
Lindsey at Blog Me Lovely says
Very curious how this tastes. Not quite sure it is mac and cheese since there is no cheese, but it sure looks like it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Are you joking?
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Mac and cheese is such a classic dish. I really don’t know anyone who does’t love it. Love the GF version too.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I know! It’s just too difficult NOT to love 😉
Igor @ Cooking The Globe says
I am not a vegan, but my close friend is. I am pretty sure he will love it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Why wouldn’t you too?
Rebecca | AAUBlog says
wow this looks so good. nice to find a recipe for vegan mac and cheese that is nut-free!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Right? You do not need the nuts! That would make it even more calorie and fat heavy than normal mac 😛
Cynthia Rusincovitch says
I love that this is one pot. Looks like a really easy and delicious comfort food!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It sure is!
Sabrina says
My kids love mac and cheese! I’ll have to see how they like this recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I KNOW they’ll love!
Mandy says
Lasagna sheets and Parmesan, huh? I learned something new!! Mac n cheese is life!!!! Perfect comfort food and creating a one pot recipe makes this even better! I totally used to put ketchup on my mac when I was a kid…I’m probably going to sound crazy now, but we haven’t had ketchup in our fridge in a few years and seeing this post makes me want to go out and buy some ???? Last meal? I think I’d have to go with mac n cheese or just a big plate of roasted potatoes…with ketchup, of course! ❤️❤️
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Stock up on the red stuff!!! (Or make it homemade!) A kitchen without ketchup is a kitchen without potatoes….blasphemy!
Amanda | Chew Town says
Now THAT is a clever vegan recipe. I’ve recently found myself a vegan friend and so dinner parties are a little more challenging. But I LOVE this comfort couch food that I can cook when they next come over to watch movies.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Everyone loves a good bowl of mac and cheese!
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says
You’re going to hate me when I say that I’ve never had Mac ‘n’ Cheese before! It just seemed like a lot of cheese and pasta and nothing else! But your Vegan version gives me a reason to try it out! Will let you know when I make it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Are you American? :O
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says
No 🙂 Indian, moved to the US about a two years ago. Am I forgiven the crime?
Rachel says
I’m not vegan but this recipe sounds and looks delicious! YUM!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It IS delicious!
Sarah- A Whisk and Two Wands says
Oh this sounds so good! I can’t remember the last time I had mac n cheese, it’s been awhile. I had to giggle because I always use to put ketchup on it growing up and ketchup or salsa on my eggs too if my mom made me eat them.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Ketchup is a mac and cheese must! It start young and grows with us 😉
Sarah says
Hah! One of my best friends from college insisted on emptying her ketchup bottle into her bowl of mac and cheese too! This vegan rendition of a classic looks wonderful. I can’t wait to try it out!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
She knew good food 😉
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Carrot puree? Great idea! Call me crazy, but I loooove mac & cheese as cold leftovers!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That’s the best way to do it!
Amanda says
I’ve never had ketchup on mac and cheese. I’ll have to try that.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You will not be sorry!
Jagr says
I can finish this bowl right now ..so yummy
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O, but I already did 😉
Cricket says
Yum, this looks so comforting!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O, it is!
Nutrimom says
Suggestions other than nutritional yeast?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Lol, are you joking?
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
Yum! I love mac and cheese!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Right!?
Kristina @ Ms.Modify says
What a creative recipe! I bet kids will never know the difference!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
My dairy-loving mom adores it, so I think anyone will 😉
Sarah says
that looks so simple and so delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That it is! 😉
Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says
My kid eats her mac and ciz with ketchup … and I should try your recipe for her. Me..I’m not a big fan of mac n ciz, but since it’s vegan version…why not?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Give this one a shot! You will love this!
Diana Johnson says
I’ve never seen carrot puree in mac and cheese before. Interesting idea.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Delicious healthy idea!
Alexa says
I LOVE the use of pureed carrot. It gives this mac n cheese such great color!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I think it’s mostly from the nooch and turmeric 😉
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Rebecca, I am 100% part of the mac and cheese loving population! Plus, I must admit, I love ketchup on EVERYTHING! So mac and cheese is no exception. I love that you used chickpea elbow pasta in this! Since we get all of that chickpea goodness in this dish, that means I can have at least three servings, right? 😉 You rock so much for making this vegan and gluten free! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Eat the entire pot…with a bottle of ketchup…the whole bottle 😉 I’m glad you are such a bif ketchup lover too! It goes well on EVERYTHING!!!!!
Jill Silverman Hough says
I’ve never heard of ketchup on mac and cheese! Although I’m not a big ketchup user, I’m going to have to try it. And I like the idea of carrot puree in mac and cheese–I have a recipe that uses pureed winter squash (readily available in the freezer section) to replace some of the cheese, but now I’m wondering if it could replace all of it. Thanks for the thought!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You must try it with ketchup!
Of course you can replace all of it! Dairy is BAD! Haha!
Nicole Dawson says
I always ate my mac-n-cheese with ketchup, but maybe that’s because I did grow up in Canada. I think you’re the only other person I’ve seen share that, so now I really LIKE YOU! And I love this recipe too, especially since you didn’t revert to using cashews as your cream base. Can’t wait to try it and see what my kids think.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahahaha! Live long ketchup! It seriously is so good on hot mac and cheese with the cold tomatoey touch…AH!
Mel |avirtualvegan.com says
I am all for getting cheesy! And I totally agree with you….tomato ketchup is a must!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Good! I’m glad you’re #teamketchup!
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate says
I love that this is vegan and nut free as well!! Looks great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you, Chrystal!
Sus / roughmeasures.com says
I seem to crave mac n cheese when I’m ill, needing a comfrting hit. I love the use of carrot puree in this – fab idea and recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you enjoy it more often then just then 😉
Raia says
I love that pasta! And one-pot dishes are always a win with me. 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
The BEST <3
Perfect for those busy families 😉
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
This sounds amazing! Love the carrot puree 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you, Jeanette! The secret ingredient 😉
Laura says
I’m not always a big one pot wonder girl, I like to play round with lots of ingredients and elements, but some nights just call for meals like this mac and cheese. One pot and comfort all in one. Love it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Mac and cheese deserves that one pot all in one glory and spotlight 😉
Victoria says
I loooooove mac and cheese. I’m not vegan but this is a good recipe to have on hand if you have some vegan friends coming over!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Just because you aren’t vegan doesn’t mean you can’t make a vegan dish 😛
Jenn says
When I was little I used to eat cheesy scrambled eggs with ketchup. My Grandma taught me that and I loved it. Now it makes my stomach churn to think about it (mostly because of the eggs)…lol! But I have never thought to put ketchup on mac and cheese. I do love chili mac though, which incorporates tomatoes and mac and cheese, so I think it sounds wonderful. And I know one person who doesn’t like mac and cheese….or chocolate….my hubby! That’s ok though, more for me! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, I was the same! I but ketchup on that too!
Wait…..you married someone who doesn’t like mac and cheese OR chocolate!? :O Please tell me his redeeming qualities!
Jenn says
Or potatoes!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
WHAT!!!?????
Linda @ Veganosity says
Love mac n’ cheese, and chocolate! 😉 I’d have to substitute sriracha for the ketchup, I like my food spicy.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I dare you to top it with chocolate sauce and siracha then 😉
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
Well my kids eat anything with ketchup so it’s right up our alley over here!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I know they do 😉 Good kids, you raise them right!
Emily @ My Healthyish Life says
This is how I can use my nutritional yeast! Although my sister (a typically Kraft-loving girl) requested I make cauliflower mac n cheese. I must be rubbing off on her haha.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
NOOOO, haha! No cauliflower!
Isn’t this how I suggested you use it? See, well now you have a full recipe!! MAKE MAKE!! 😉
rachel @ Athletic Avocado says
I will totally have to try mac n’ cheese with ketchup! Very interesting but none the less sounds pretty amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
But it’s not “interesting”! It’s like a real big thing!!!
Courtney says
You can’t beat mac & cheese– I love that it’s vegan, too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Never, never 😉