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    Salted Plains » Recipes » Entrees

    Cajun Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

    Published: Feb 27, 2019 · Modified: Feb 10, 2021 by Tessa · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Cajun Mac and Cheese made with a zesty, easy cashew cheese sauce. Use gluten-free pasta shells or macaroni for a completely gluten-free and vegan pasta recipe.

    Cajun Mac and Cheese in a white bowl.I've probably said this every year, but when Mardi Gras season breaks out in New Orleans, a serious fear of missing out creeps up on me. 

    So, with my nostalgia kicking in hard lately, I've been making do with the flavors of my favorite city. Rich, comforting, and spicy foods abound there, and this lightened-up dairy-free and gluten-free mac and cheese fit right in. 

    Gluten-free shells with cashew cream sauce.Vegan Gluten-Free Cajun Mac and Cheese Ingredients

    With better ingredients (see ya heavy cream!) and some plant-based substitutes, you don't have to forgo a creamy texture or flavor. Here's what you'll need:

    • sweet potato (white or orange)
    • raw cashews
    • olive oil
    • lemon juice
    • Cajun seasoning
    • garlic
    • gluten-free pasta

    Gluten-free shells with cashew cream sauce.When it comes to the type of sweet potato to use, I've made this with both the white and orange variety. I like the lighter hue that the white sweet potato gives the cashew cheese sauce, but ultimately either one works great. 

    Gluten-free shells with cashew cream sauce and peppers and sausage.Customize Your Mac and Cheese

    At its core, this Cajun mac and cheese recipe is a delicious vegetarian and vegan meal. But adding vegetables or protein of choice (vegan options or animal protein), makes it even more versatile. 

    Cajun Mac and Cheese with cashew cream sauce and vegetables.So, whether you are looking for dairy-free mac and cheese, a vegetarian mac and cheese, or a vegan mac and cheese option, this one is for you. 

    Cajun Mac and Cheese with peppers in a white bowl.

    Gluten-free shells and peppers in a white bowl.And speaking of the magic of sweet potatoes, Erin's easy roasted sweet potatoes would make for a delicious addition to any weeknight meal! 

    Cajun Mac and Cheese in a white bowl.

    More Recipes for Mardi Gras

    Vegan Bourbon Milk Punch

    Gluten-Free Bananas Foster Waffles

    Hurricane Cocktail Popsicles

    Cajun Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

    Cajun Mac and Cheese made with a zesty, easy cashew cheese sauce. Use gluten-free pasta shells for a completely gluten-free and vegan pasta recipe.
    4.50 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 168kcal
    Author: Tessa

    Ingredients

    Cajun Mac and Cheese

    • ½ cup raw cashews
    • 1 package gluten-free shells or macaroni noodles 12 oz
    • 2 cups cooked sweet potato (white or orange variety) about 1 large
    • ¾ cup water
    • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoons olive oil
    • 1 clove minced garlic
    • ¾ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
    • couple pinches cayenne pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Optional Mix-in's

    • Hot sauce
    • Green peppers
    • Andouille sausage (vegan, chicken, or pork) cooked
    • Shrimp cooked

    Instructions

    • Place your raw cashews in a high powered blender. Cover with boiling water. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Drain and return cashews to blender.
    • Bring a Dutch oven or large saucepan of water to a boil and prepare your pasta as directed on package.
    • While your pasta is cooking, add cooked sweet potato, ¾ cup water, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the blender. Blend, eventually on high, until mixture is smooth. Add a bit more water, if necessary.
    • Once pasta is cooked, drain and return to the saucepan. Pour cashew cheese sauce mixture over pasta. Stir to combine. Add additional salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning as desired. 
      If adding optional mix-in's, turn heat to low, add to pot, and allow them to warm, up to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep the heat low as too much heat will cause your sauce to thicken and lose its creamy quality.
    • Serve warm. Drizzle with hot sauce if desired. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 623mg | Potassium: 348mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 9621IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @SaltedPlains or tag #saltedplains!
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    Comments

    1. Deena Kolb

      February 09, 2021 at 5:57 pm

      4 stars
      How many ounces is 1 package of shells or macaroni? You can buy them in 8 or 16 oz. so I am not sure how much you made for this Cajun Mac and Cheese recipe. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Tessa

        February 10, 2021 at 5:29 pm

        Hi Deena - great question, thank you. I used 12oz box of shells (Jovial brand). 8 0z would work great too, just even creamier!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Tessa! I create gluten-free, real food recipes that are approachable and delicious.

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