Chickpea Pasta Fakeroni and "Cheese"

While fake macaroni and cheese, or Fakeroni and “Cheese” and I like to call it, isn’t always as creamy and cheese-y as the real deal, it still can be pretty tasty! I’m always trying to perfect the art of the cheese-less Mac and Cheese. And this recipe, while less cheesy, is about an 8/10 on my Fakeroni and “Cheese” scale.

When you decide what kind of cheese alternative to use when making Fakeroni and “Cheese,” you can stick to the store bought vegan cheeses, like Daiya Foods, Violife, CHAO cheese, or Trader Joe’s brand. But, if you’re looking for a slightly less caloric dense alternative, then Nutritional Yeast is a great option. Nutritional Yeast gives an almost cheese-like flavor to food, while having a great nutritional value like the name denotes. It also adds extra protein, as does the Chickpea Pasta. This recipe can be a great Vegan substitute when needing protein in your diet.

hungryhungryhelenfakeroni.org

I like to use Banza Chickpea Pasta for this recipe, but any other gluten-free pasta can be used. Cook the whole box of pasta according to the directions. Once drained, pour in a separate bowl or back in the pot. Add four tablespoons of Nutritional Yeast, two tablespoons of unsweetened coconut milk (the unsweetened part is VERY important, or it’ll taste super funky), two teaspoons yellow mustard (I used Sir Kensington’s), and two teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning—I probably in reality used two TABLEspoons of this because I love it, you can also use your own seasoning of choice. Mix together until pasta is coated, add whatever topping you want (avocado for me always), and enjoy!


Chickpea Pasta Fakeroni and “Cheese”

Gluten Free/Dairy Free

(Makes approx. 5 servings—or 2 depending on how much you like pasta!)

Ingredients:

  • 1 box Banza Pasta

  • 4 tbsp. Nutritional Yeast

  • 2 tbsp. unsweetened coconut or almond milk (UNsweetened ONLY!)

  • 2 tsp. Sir Kensington’s yellow mustard

  • 2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to directions on box. Once drained, pour back into pot.

  2. Add the rest of ingredients to pot, mix until pasta is coated.

  3. Now let your hungry hungry heart feast!