Vegan & Gluten-Free Shells and Cheese

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta—so what happens when you remove the dairy and gluten? This vegan, gluten-free version of shells ’n’ cheese flips the script and delivers on all the nostalgia without compromise. Crafted with chickpea shell-shaped noodles that provide protein and texture, a rich cashew- and nutritional-yeast-based sauce, and vibrant broccoli tucked in for freshness, this dish ticks all the boxes for indulgence and inclusivity.

Whether you’re serving vegan family members, accommodating gluten-intolerant guests, or simply looking for a weeknight dinner that feels special yet accessible, this recipe checks the mark. The cashew cream and almond-milk base bring richness and feel-good ingredients, while the chickpea pasta brings both chew and structure without relying on traditional wheat.

In short, this is the kind of dish that says: “Yes, you can have that classic comfort food moment” while aligning with plant-based and gluten-free lifestyles. From cozy dinners to community potlucks where dietary needs vary—it delivers. Let’s dive into how you can customize it, pair it, and serve it in ways that feel intentional.

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Shells and Cheese

Recipe Details

Yield: 2 to 3 servings
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Shells and Cheese Ingredients

• 1 (TK-ounce) box chickpea shells
• ½ cup almond milk
• ½ cup hummus
• 1 cup cashews
• 1 clove garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup onion, diced
• ½ cup nutritional yeast
• ½ head broccoli, chopped

How to Make Shells and Cheese

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook shells according to package directions; drain.
2. While pasta boils, blend almond milk, hummus, cashews, garlic, olive oil, onion, and nutritional yeast in blender until smooth.
3. Chop broccoli and steam until cooked.
4. Mix shells, sauce, and broccoli in a large bowl. Serve and enjoy!

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Shells and Cheese Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 3 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1/3 of recipe
Calories	≈ 700 kcal
Protein	≈ 30 g
Carbs	≈ 70 g
Sugar	≈ 5 g
Fiber	≈ 10 g
Fat	≈ 35 g

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Shells and Cheese Variations & Tips

• Use different plant-based pasta shapes: Try gluten-free chickpea or lentil shells, elbows, or even rotini to suit what you have on hand.
• Mix in roasted veggies: Stir roasted cauliflower, sweet potato cubes, spinach or sautéed kale into the finished dish for added colour and nutrients.
• Spice it up: Add ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for subtle warmth beneath the cheesy notes.
• Reduce cashew soak time: Pre-soak cashews for at least 30 minutes, or boil them for 10 minutes if short on time, to ensure ultra-smooth sauce texture.
• Make it one-pot: After cooking the pasta, use the same pot to melt the sauce mixture, toss the noodles and broccoli directly in, reducing cleanup.
• Top it for crunch: Sprinkle gluten-free bread-crumbs or crushed roasted chickpeas on top before serving for a little textural contrast.
• Leftovers upgrade: Add a splash of unsweetened almond milk when reheating to restore creaminess, then stir in fresh broccoli just before warming through.

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Best Shells and Cheese Pairings

• Garlic-roasted asparagus: Serve alongside tender roasted asparagus spears for a crisp, green balance to the creamy pasta.
• Simple baby-green salad: Toss baby spinach, arugula, cucumber ribbons and lemon-olive oil vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Gluten-free garlic bread: Offer slices of gluten-free baguette or bread brushed with olive oil, garlic and parsley to soak up any sauce.
• Light white wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or dry Riesling complements the cashew-nutty sauce and keeps the plate feeling fresh.
• Herb-infused sparkling water: Serve sparkling water with a sprig of rosemary or basil and lemon slice to cleanse the palate between bites.
• Vegan apple-crisp dessert: Finish the meal with a warm vegan apple-crisp topped with dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a complete comforting menu.

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When to Make Shells and Cheese

• Weeknight family dinner: Whip this up when you want something hearty yet simple—and that will please vegans, gluten-free eaters and others alike.
• Vegetarian/vegan potluck: Bring the dish to a shared meal where dietary needs vary—it will stand out and feel inclusive.
• Meal-prep batch cooking: Make a double batch, portion into airtight containers, and reheat for lunches or dinners during the week.
• Comfort-food movie night: Serve big bowls of this with a side salad and popcorn for a cozy at-home film night.
• Host with casual flair: If you’re hosting friends and want something relaxed but meaningful, this dish delivers on flavour and simplicity.
• Back-to-school dinner rush: On nights when you’re short on time but want a nourishing, satisfying meal—this recipe makes it happen fast.

Recipe credit: Angela Gaines