20-Minute Creamy Garlic & Herb Mac and Cheese

Prepare to meet your new favorite, stress-free comfort classic! This 20-Minute Creamy Garlic & Herb Mac and Cheese is a delicious one-pot vegan marvel. Imagine perfectly cooked macaroni smothered in a rich, velvety sauce that is intensely cheesy (thanks to nutritional yeast), deeply garlicky, and fragrant with fresh herbs. The best part? It's ready in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup. This is satisfying, plant-based comfort food at its absolute fastest and finest!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

20-Minute Comfort: The fastest way to get decadent, creamy mac and cheese on the table—perfect for busy nights.
One-Pot Perfection: Pasta cooks directly in the sauce ingredients, eliminating draining and extra cleanup.
Intensely "Cheesy" Flavor: Nutritional yeast and garlic create a savory, complex taste that fully satisfies the cheese craving.
Kid-Friendly & Customizable: A universally loved dish that can easily incorporate veggies or protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Mac and Cheese:

1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth
1.5 cups (360ml) unsweetened non-dairy milk (e.g., soy, cashew, or oat)
8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
1/2 cup (50g) nutritional yeast (essential for cheesy flavor)
1/2 tsp (2.5g) onion powder
1/4 tsp (1g) turmeric (for color)
1/4 cup (60g) vegan cream cheese (optional, for ultra-richness)
1 tbsp (4g) fresh chives or parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Liquids & Pasta: Pour in the vegetable broth and non-dairy milk. Add the elbow macaroni, stirring well to submerge the pasta. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
Simmer & Cook: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it gently simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed. Stir frequently (every 2 minutes) to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Finish Sauce: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the nutritional yeast, onion powder, turmeric, and vegan cream cheese (if using). Stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a rich, velvety consistency.
Season & Serve: Stir in the fresh chives or parsley. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving: Serve immediately for the creamiest texture! Garnish with extra fresh herbs, smoked paprika, or toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will absorb heavily and thicken upon chilling.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of extra non-dairy milk or vegetable broth while stirring to loosen the sauce and restore the creamy texture.

Helpful Tips

Stir Frequently: For one-pot mac and cheese, frequent stirring (especially every 2 minutes) is crucial to prevent the small pasta shapes from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Nutritional Yeast Power: Use a quality nutritional yeast brand, as its flavor defines the "cheesiness." Add a little extra if you want a bolder flavor!
Add Acidity: A secret tip for mac and cheese is a dash of acidity. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white vinegar at the end for an extra savory kick that brightens the flavor.
Incorporate Veggies: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas or 2 cups of fresh baby spinach during the last 2 minutes of simmering to sneak in extra greens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use different types of pasta? A: Yes, but choose small, sturdy shapes like small shells, ditalini, or cavatappi. Avoid thin pastas like spaghetti, which can clump and overcook easily in the one-pot method.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Absolutely! Just ensure you use a certified gluten-free elbow macaroni or shell pasta, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally GF.

Q: Why do I need to add liquid when reheating? A: The starch in the pasta continues to absorb moisture as it cools, making the leftovers very thick. Adding milk or broth helps restore the original creamy consistency.

Q: Does it taste like coconut? A: If using full-fat coconut milk, the flavor is generally neutralized by the strong garlic, onion, and nutritional yeast, resulting in only a subtle sweetness, not a coconut flavor.

Conclusion

This 20-Minute Creamy Garlic & Herb Mac and Cheese is a pure culinary win! It delivers all the nostalgic comfort you crave in a lightning-fast, dairy-free, one-pot package. Say goodbye to cleanup hassles and hello to cheesy, garlicky perfection—the ultimate effortless meal prep staple!