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Veggie Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.1 from 1 review

A comforting and creamy Veggie Mac and Cheese recipe featuring roasted sweet potatoes, cauliflower, red bell pepper, and onion blended into a rich cheese sauce. This dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a flavorful homemade sauce, perfect for a wholesome family meal.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium cauliflower, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot starch
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 16 ounces elbow macaroni pasta

Instructions

  1. Roast the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potato, chopped cauliflower, onion, and red bell pepper with oil and salt. Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the roasted vegetables into a blender. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cornstarch, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Heat the Sauce: Pour the blended sauce into the same pot used for cooking the pasta. Warm the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to ensure even warming.
  5. Combine: Add the cooked macaroni into the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce to your preferred consistency. Taste and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use Dijon mustard to add depth and a subtle tang to the cheese sauce.
  • The reserved pasta water helps thin the sauce and aids in binding it to the pasta.
  • You can substitute milk with any plant-based option for a dairy-free version.
  • Feel free to add extra seasoning such as black pepper or paprika for extra flavor.
  • Ensure vegetables are fully roasted to enhance natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/veggie-mac-and-cheese-recipe/