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High protein vegan mac and cheese in a white bowl with creamy dairy-free sauce
Protein Meal Studio

High Protein Vegan Mac and Cheese

A creamy high-protein vegan mac and cheese made with pasta, tofu, nutritional yeast, and a smooth dairy-free cheese sauce for an easy plant-based comfort meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Plant-Based
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces high-protein pasta or elbow macaroni
  • 1 block firm tofu drained
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • Optional Toppings
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dairy-free breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon extra nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Blender
  • 1 Saucepan
  • 1 Strainer
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Add tofu, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to a blender.
  3. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Pour the sauce into a saucepan over low heat and warm for 2–3 minutes, stirring often.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  6. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  8. Serve warm with parsley, dairy-free breadcrumbs, extra nutritional yeast, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Approximate nutrition per serving: 430 calories, 28g protein, 52g carbohydrates, 13g fat, and 8g fiber. Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands, substitutions, and portion size.