2 Insanely Simple and Healthy Mac n Cheese Recipes

Honestly, being able to enjoy a meal that’s simple, delicious, gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with protein and fiber is the pinnacle of adulting. Plus, when coupled with a little bit of nostalgia of meals from your youth, it’s just *chef’s kiss.* And that’s exactly what these two mac n cheese recipes are—they’re insanely easy to make, healthy, and so good.

Whether you’re a pasta lover, love healthy recipes, or are just looking to try new things: this article’s for you. Below are two insanely simple mac n cheese recipes made with plant-based pasta. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and one is vegetarian. Plus, if you make a little extra like the recipes call for, you’ll have delicious leftovers for days (which, let’s be real, is never a bad thing). Pair these recipes with a fresh and flavorful cocktail, and you’re good to go. Scroll down to get the full ingredients and instructions, and try these mac n cheese recipes yourself.

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1. Chickpea Mac n Cheese:

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Ingredients & Instructions:

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WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 2 boxes chickpea pasta (I use Banza, but you can use any kind or style you prefer)
• 3/4 cup dairy-free creamer (I use the brand Silk)
• 1/2 cup dairy-free/vegan butter (the brands SmartBalance or Earth Balance work really well)
• 1/2 cup dairy-free shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup dairy-free shredded mozzarella cheese
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 drop olive oil

HOW-TO:

1. For pasta: Pour water in large pot, add in dash of salt and drop of olive oil, then bring to boil on stovetop. Once boiling, add in pasta, another dash of salt, and cook for desired amount of time.
   1. Note: if you like your pasta al dente (*raises both hands*), then cook for the shortest amount of time, usually 7 minutes.
2. For cheese sauce: While pasta is cooking, in smaller pot, add in cream, butter, 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, and dash of salt and place over medium heat. Allow butter to melt completely, then gently stir ingredients, and add in 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar. Once ingredients have completely melted, reduce heat and stir one more time.
3. Once pasta is done, immediately remove from burner and drain. Be sure to drain everything well. Place back in large pot, then pour in cheese sauce, then add in salt and black pepper, and mix everything well. Serve and enjoy.

Related: 2 Ridiculously Easy Pizza Recipes

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2. Cheeseburger Mac n Cheese:

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Ingredients & Instructions:

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WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 lb Piedmontese 96% lean ground beef (use code NICK25 to save $$$ at checkout)
• 2 boxes chickpea pasta
• 3/4 cup dairy-free creamer (the brand Silk is a great option)
• 1/2 cup dairy-free/vegan butter (the brands SmartBalance or Earth Balance work really well)
• 1/2 cup dairy-free shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup dairy-free cheddar cheese
• salt, garlic powder, black pepper (to season and taste)
• 1 drop olive oil
• olive oil/non-stick spray (for ground beef)

HOW-TO:

1. For the ground beef: Place drop of olive oil or evenly spray non-stick spray in skillet and place over high heat on stovetop. Add in ground beef, and season with salt, garlic powder, and tiny bit of pepper. Do not break up ground beef—when it starts to brown, flip it onto the other side. Once that side starts browning, then break up ground beef until cooked fully through.
2. For the pasta: Pour water into large pot, add in dash of salt and drop of olive oil, and bring to a boil on stovetop over high heat. Once boiling, add in pasta in cook for desired amount of time (usually about 7-9 minutes; I always do the bare minimum because I like my pasta al dente).
3. For cheese sauce: While pasta is cooking, in smaller pot, add in cream, butter, 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, and dash of salt and place over medium heat. Allow butter to melt completely, then gently stir ingredients, and add in 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar. Once ingredients have completely melted, reduce heat and stir one more time.
4. For the mac n cheese: Once pasta is done, immediately remove from burner and drain. Be sure to drain everything well. Place back in large pot, then pour in cheese sauce, then add in salt and black pepper, and mix everything well. Lastly, add in ground beef and mix everything together evenly and well. Serve and enjoy.

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