Vegans Rejoice: Dairy-Free Stovetop Mac N Cheese

• 2 cups gluten-free pasta, preferably cavatappi, radiatori or shells (something with a lot of nooks for the sauce)
• 1 - 2 tablespoons butter or dairy-free substitute such as margarine or soy-based spread
• 1 1/2 cups total dairy-free shredded cheddar and mozzarella (I use Daiya brand)
• 1 cup pasta cooking liquid
• Salt and pepper
• red chili flakes (optional)

1. Bring a medium-sized pot of generously salted water to a boil.
2. Drop in noodles, stir to ensure they dont stick together, and using a slotted spoon, remove pasta when al dente and set aside in a strainer.
3. Whatever you do, do NOT rinse those noodles.
4. Reserve a cup of the pasta water from the pot, then drain the rest and return the pot to the stove on low heat.
5. Add butter, or butter substitute if using, and noodles and stir to coat the pasta.
6. Once the noodles and butter are simmering slightly, add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and the cheese.
7. Stir thoroughly to incorporate everything.
8. The cheese should begin to melt and bind with the pasta water and butter, resulting in silky, glistening cheese sauce.
9. Add more of the cooking liquid as necessary a tablespoon at a time if you need more sauce.
10. Taste, then adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and chili flakes (if using).
11. Once the cheese is almost fully melted and everything looks happy, turn off the burner, cover the pot, let sit for 3-5 minutes and serve.

pasta, butter, total dairy, pasta cooking liquid, salt, red chili

Taken from www.foodrepublic.com/recipes/vegans-rejoice-dairy-free-stovetop-mac-n-cheese-recipe/ (may not work)