How to Make a Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese with Brown Rice Shells

Quick Answer

To make a creamy vegan mac and cheese, cook brown rice shells until just al dente, then toss them with a velvety sauce made from soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices. For a shortcut, use a quality vegan mac like Brown Rice Vegan Deluxe Cheddar Shells and add your own plant-based milk for extra creaminess.

Craving mac and cheese but skipping dairy? You can still get that comforting, creamy bowl—the trick is using brown rice shells, which hold sauce beautifully and stay pleasantly al dente. A silky vegan cheese sauce turns simple pantry ingredients into a dinner that feels indulgent.

Whether you're new to plant-based eating or just need a reliable weeknight meal, this guide covers the steps, common mistakes, and product shortcuts so you can nail a dairy-free mac and cheese every time.

Why Brown Rice Shells Work for Vegan Mac

Brown rice pasta gives you a sturdy base that won't turn to mush under a creamy sauce. Shells, with their curved shape, catch bits of cheese sauce in every bite—exactly what you want in a mac and cheese. Plus, the neutral flavor of brown rice lets your vegan cheese sauce shine without competing flavors.

When shopping, look for pasta made entirely from brown rice to keep the dish gluten-free. Brown Rice Elbows are a good substitute if you prefer a classic elbow shape, but shells offer a slightly more decadent mouthfeel and hold up well to reheating.

• Opt for small or medium shells so they cook evenly.
• Check the package for 100% brown rice to avoid hidden gluten.

Building a Velvety Vegan Cheese Sauce

The perfect vegan cheese sauce starts with a creamy base. Raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes and blended until smooth, deliver that rich texture without any dairy. Nutritional yeast adds the cheesy flavor, while turmeric, garlic powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika bring depth.

For a faster version, you can start with a prepared vegan mac like Brown Rice Vegan Deluxe Cheddar Shells and stir in a splash of unsweetened plant-based milk and a little extra nutritional yeast. This gives you homemade flavor with a fraction of the effort—a great option for busy evenings.

• Blend the sauce long enough—at least 60 seconds—so it becomes completely silky.
• Season gradually; you can always add more salt or lemon juice at the end.

Cooking the Pasta Right

Brown rice pasta cooks differently than wheat pasta. It needs a generously salted pot of boiling water, and you should stir it right after adding to prevent sticking. Cook until just al dente—usually a minute less than the package suggests—because it will continue to soften when you toss it with the hot sauce.

Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Starchy water is your secret weapon: adding a splash to the sauce loosens it and helps it cling to the shells without turning thin. Skip rinsing the pasta; the starch helps the sauce adhere.

• Test a piece a minute early to avoid overcooking.
• If using a microwaveable version like Brown Rice Microwavable Cheddar Elbows, follow the package and add a splash of water before reheating.

Step-by-Step: Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese with Brown Rice Shells

1. Cook the brown rice shells: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the brown rice shells. Stir immediately and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Checkpoint: Don't overcook—taste one minute early to ensure it's not mushy.
2. Prepare the vegan cheese sauce: In a blender, combine 1 cup soaked cashews, 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 cup water. Blend until completely smooth. Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon. Checkpoint: Blend long enough—if the sauce feels gritty, add a little more water and blend again.
3. Combine pasta and sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and toss gently. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess. Takeaway: The sauce should coat each shell without pooling at the bottom.
4. Add optional boosters: Fold in steamed broccoli, roasted chickpeas, or a handful of spinach for extra nutrition. For a smoky kick, sprinkle with extra smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce. Checkpoint: Balance flavors—add a pinch of salt if the additions make it taste flat.
5. Serve and adjust: Serve immediately while hot. If you prefer a looser consistency, stir in a splash of unsweetened plant-based milk. Taste and adjust seasoning one last time. Takeaway: Leftovers? Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Product Spotlight

• Brown Rice Vegan Deluxe Cheddar Shells: As the gluten free pasta pros, we’ve created a creamy, perfectly al dente vegan mac & cheese made with brown rice pasta. Crafted for that iconic, cheesy flavor and classic pasta texture with none of the gluten, this vegan mac & cheese delivers on all the nostalgic, savory goodness of your favorite childhood meal. This product is a ready-made base that saves you time while still delivering the brown rice shell shape you love. You can enhance it with a homemade sauce-topper or simply add plant-based milk for extra creaminess.
• Brown Rice Elbows: As the gluten free pasta pros, we created a tasty, al dente pasta made from brown rice. Crafted for that classic pasta taste and texture with none of the gluten, this pasta pairs well with protein (like beans!) and serves up delicious leftovers... if there are any. If you don't have shells, these elbows make a perfect alternative, especially for kids who prefer the classic mac shape. They offer the same gluten-free brown rice base and pair well with vegan cheese sauce and added protein.

With the right technique and a good brown rice shell, you can enjoy a creamy vegan mac and cheese that satisfies cravings without dairy. Whether you build the sauce from scratch or use a prepared product like Brown Rice Vegan Deluxe Cheddar Shells, this dish is sure to become a plant-based weeknight hero.