Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Name: Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Ingredients: 2.5 cups sweet potatoes (cut into half inch cubes (approx 2 small potatoes)); 1 yellow onion (quartered); 2-3 cloves garlic (unpeeled); 1 teaspoon olive oil (omit for oil free, see notes**); 1/2 cup raw cashews; 1/4 cup nutritional yeast; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional); 1 cup unsweetened cashew milk (or milk of choice); 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth; 1 lb macaroni pasta (or your choice, gluten free if needed)