You can make this Mac & Cheese dairy if you prefer, simply substitute dairy ingredients like butter, milk and cheese. I use Barilla pasta in this recipe.  It's corn based and doesn't need rinsing as some chick pea or lentil pasta might.  If you use a non-corn based pasta it may turn out mushier...it will still taste goo, it will just be mushy. I used unflavored, unsweetened almond milk.  You can use soy or another unsweetened milk or even water instead.  The flavor may alter slightly. If you don't have a microwave safe container with a lid, simply use a larger microwave safe container loosely covered with plastic.  Make sure to leave a small opening so the Mac & Cheese can vent. There is an example of venting microwave containers below.  They are great for traveling and won't explode (hopefully!).