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Vegan Pasta Bake

This comforting vegan pasta bake features tender pasta layered with rich marinara sauce, vegetables, and a gooey, golden topping made from vegan cheese and nutritional yeast. Baked until bubbly and crispy on top, it offers a cozy, hearty texture with a satisfying crust and tender interior. Perfect for busy weeknights or leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta preferably gluten-free if needed
  • 2 cups marinara sauce rich and thick for coating the pasta
  • 1 cup chopped vegetables bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach
  • 1 cup vegan cheese melting types work best
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast adds cheesy flavor
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for tossing pasta and greasing the dish
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs basil or parsley, added after baking

Equipment

  • Deep baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Oven-safe spatula or tongs

Method
 

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce, chopped vegetables, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and combined.
  3. Transfer the pasta mixture into a deep baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon.
  4. Sprinkle the vegan cheese and nutritional yeast generously over the top of the layered pasta. This will create a cheesy, golden crust as it bakes.
  5. Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs over the top for brightness and aroma.
  8. Serve slices warm, enjoying the crispy edges and tender pasta inside, with the fragrant aroma of herbs and baked tomato filling the kitchen.