Dreamy Vegan Spaghetti Squash Mac n Cheese Recipe for All

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this velvety vegan spaghetti squash mac n cheese that satisfies every craving.

Packed with rich, plant-based goodness, this dish delivers decadent flavors without any dairy.

Pasta lovers will adore how the spaghetti squash creates a perfect low-carb base for the creamy sauce.

Nutritional yeast and cashews blend into a luscious cheese-like coating that clings to every strand.

The golden, roasted squash provides a subtle sweetness that elevates the entire meal.

Vibrant and nourishing, this recipe proves that plant-based eating can be incredibly delicious and indulgent.

Prepare to fall in love with a guilt-free version of a classic comfort dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Spaghetti Squash Mac n Cheese Ingredients

• Spaghetti Squash: Sweet and stringy vegetable that mimics pasta texture, look for firm squash with smooth skin and vibrant color.
• Olive Oil: Creates crispy roasted surface and adds rich flavor to squash, choose extra virgin for best taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps season squash during roasting.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the roasted vegetable.

• Raw Cashews: Creamy base for vegan cheese sauce, soak overnight for smoothest texture.
• Almond Milk: Provides liquid smoothness and subtle nutty undertone, unsweetened works best.
• Nutritional Yeast: Delivers cheesy flavor without dairy, rich in vitamin B12.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and sharp flavor to sauce, fresh cloves recommended.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens sauce and adds tangy complexity.
• Turmeric: Optional ingredient providing golden color and earthy warmth.

• Broccoli: Adds green nutrients and fresh crunch, steam lightly to maintain vibrant color.
• Green Peas: Sweet and protein-packed vegetable that complements cheese sauce.
• Fresh Chives: Delicate onion-like garnish that adds visual appeal.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb with fresh flavor for finishing touch.

Equipment That Helps Pull This Vegan Dish Together

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting squash evenly with parchment paper.
• High-Speed Blender: Critical for creating smooth, creamy vegan cheese sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for safely halving and preparing spaghetti squash.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for cleanly cutting squash lengthwise.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining squash strands with cheese sauce.
• Fork: Useful for shredding squash and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately portion seasonings and salt.
• Colander: Helpful for draining soaked cashews.

How to Cook Vegan Spaghetti Squash Mac n Cheese

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F and grab your spaghetti squash.

• Slice and Prepare

Carefully halve the squash lengthwise, scooping out seeds like a pro. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

• Roast to Perfection

Place squash cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide into the oven and let it bake for 40 minutes until fork-tender.

• Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

Toss soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and turmeric into a blender. Blend until silky smooth, adding extra milk if needed for the perfect consistency.

• Create the Magic

Once squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to transform it into pasta-like strands. Pour the luscious sauce over the squash and mix thoroughly.

• Optional Veggie Boost

Fold in steamed broccoli or green peas for an extra nutrition kick.

• Serve and Enjoy

Give it a final taste, adjusting seasonings as you like. Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley and dig in while it’s hot!

Variations for Creaminess or Crunch

• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra flavor kick that'll elevate the entire dish.
• Always check the squash's doneness by piercing with a fork – it should glide through effortlessly without resistance.
• Toast some panko breadcrumbs with nutritional yeast and sprinkle on top for a delightful crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Swap almond milk with coconut milk for a richer sauce, or use cashew cream for a more indulgent texture that still keeps the recipe vegan-friendly.
• Mix in crispy roasted chickpeas or crumbled tempeh for an extra protein boost that makes this comfort food more nutritionally balanced.

Serve It Warm for a Cozy Meal

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Gather loved ones around the table and enjoy this comforting mac n cheese alternative that delights everyone.
• Nutrient-Packed Meal Booster: Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds or hemp hearts on top for extra crunch and protein, turning this dish into a nutrition powerhouse.
• Restaurant-Style Presentation: Serve in individual cast-iron skillets or rustic ceramic bowls to elevate the dining experience and make the meal feel gourmet and special.
• Green Fresh Twist: Add a small side salad with crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the creamy squash dish and balance the flavors.

Tips for Keeping It Fresh Longer

• Store leftover mac n cheese in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Warm portions in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of almond milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating throughout the dish.
• Portion the mac n cheese into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best taste and consistency.
• Prepare squash and cheese sauce separately during weekly cooking. Store components individually to maintain optimal texture. Combine just before serving to keep spaghetti squash strands crisp and prevent sauce from becoming watery.

Creamy Vegan Spaghetti Squash Mac n Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy “vegan spaghetti squash mac n cheese” delivers comfort without dairy, blending plant-based magic into a classic favorite. Nutritious strands of squash cradle rich, cheesy sauce, inviting comfort seekers to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (medium) spaghetti squash
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for at least 4 hours or boiled for 20 minutes)
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp turmeric (optional, for color)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed) or green peas
• Chives or parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Elevate oven temperature to 400F (200C), creating an ideal roasting environment for the spaghetti squash.
2. Squash Prepping: Slice spaghetti squash lengthwise with precision, extracting seeds and creating a clean surface for roasting.
3. Seasoning Technique: Generously coat exposed squash flesh with olive oil, sprinkling salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.
4. Roasting Process: Position squash halves cut-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing even heat distribution for optimal tenderness.
5. Roasting Duration: Allow squash to transform in oven for 40 minutes until flesh becomes effortlessly shreddable with fork tines.
6. Sauce Creation: Combine soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and turmeric in high-speed blender, pulverizing until silky smooth.
7. Sauce Consistency: Adjust liquid content by introducing additional almond milk, achieving desired creamy texture.
8. Squash Transformation: Gently extract delicate strands from roasted squash using fork, transferring to spacious mixing bowl.
9. Sauce Integration: Cascade vegan cheese sauce over squash strands, thoroughly intermingling for complete flavor coverage.
10. Nutritional Enhancement: Incorporate steamed broccoli or green peas, introducing vibrant color and additional nutrients.
11. Final Touches: Calibrate seasoning to personal preference, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
12. Presentation: Adorn with freshly chopped chives or parsley, serving immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Choose medium-sized spaghetti squash with firm, uniform surfaces and no soft spots for best texture and flavor.
• Ensure cut sides face down during roasting to prevent moisture loss and achieve perfect caramelization and tender strands.
• Soak cashews overnight or use hot water for 30 minutes to create ultra-creamy, silky vegan cheese sauce without grainy texture.
• Add nutritional yeast generously to enhance cheesy flavor and provide essential B-vitamins for plant-based diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg