If you’re craving a comforting and hearty meal that’s completely plant-based, baked vegan pasta recipes offer the perfect solution. These dishes combine the warmth of oven-baked goodness with wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients to create meals that are both satisfying and nourishing.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based options to your dinner rotation, baked vegan pastas deliver rich flavors, creamy textures, and a beautiful golden crust that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.
From cheesy vegan béchamel sauces to roasted vegetables layered with pasta, these recipes embrace creativity and healthfulness. They’re ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests with a dish that’s as delicious as it is compassionate.
Ready to dive into the world of baked vegan pastas? Let’s explore why these recipes deserve a spot in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked vegan pasta recipes bring together the best of both worlds — the cozy, satisfying texture of baked pasta dishes and the health benefits of plant-based ingredients. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare, typically requiring just a handful of wholesome ingredients and simple steps.
These recipes are versatile, allowing you to customize with your favorite vegetables, plant-based cheeses, and sauces. They’re also fantastic for batch cooking, holding up well when reheated.
Plus, they’re free from dairy, eggs, and animal products, making them suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone with dietary restrictions.
Whether you prefer a creamy, cheesy pasta bake or a tomato-based casserole bursting with fresh herbs, these recipes deliver comfort food without compromise. And if you want to explore more plant-based delights, check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup vegan ricotta or tofu ricotta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or frying pan for sautéing vegetables
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander for draining pasta
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a little olive oil or vegan butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté your vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms: Cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Layer the pasta bake: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop half of the vegan ricotta over the top and sprinkle with half of the shredded vegan mozzarella.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture: Spread the rest of the pasta on top, then finish with the remaining ricotta and mozzarella cheese for a melty, golden topping.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra creamy texture, stir in a few tablespoons of our vegan béchamel sauce before baking.”
Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables such as spinach, kale, or eggplant. Roasting veggies beforehand adds an extra depth of flavor.
You can also experiment with different vegan cheeses or add nutritional yeast for a cheesy boost.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the pasta with gluten-free varieties. If you want to add some protein, toss in cooked lentils or vegan sausage slices into the mix.
To make the dish more festive or suitable for meal prep, double the recipe and freeze half for later. Simply thaw and bake as directed.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 420 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 60 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Fiber | 8 g |
Sodium | 650 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This baked vegan pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted garlic bread. You might also enjoy it alongside steamed green beans or a light vegetable soup like our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
For a festive touch, serve with a simple appetizer such as our Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe to keep the theme fresh and flavorful.
Baked Vegan Pasta Recipes to Try
Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Baked Ziti
This creamy, savory baked ziti blends tender pasta with spinach, artichokes, and a luscious vegan cheese sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances rich flavors with nutritious greens.
- Key ingredients: penne pasta, vegan cream cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, almond milk
- Pro tip: Stir in some recipes with spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
Roasted Vegetable and Pesto Pasta Bake
Loaded with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, this pasta bake gets its vibrant flavor from homemade or store-bought vegan pesto. It’s fresh, fragrant, and perfect for summer dinners.
- Key ingredients: fusilli pasta, vegan pesto, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, pine nuts
- Serving idea: Pair with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Creamy Cashew Alfredo Baked Fettuccine
Indulge in a rich, velvety vegan Alfredo sauce made from soaked cashews and nutritional yeast baked with fettuccine and mushrooms. This recipe is a dairy-free take on the classic Italian comfort food.
- Key ingredients: fettuccine, raw cashews, garlic, lemon juice, mushrooms
- Try our: Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners for more ideas.
Spicy Vegan Mexican Pasta Bake
This spicy twist combines pasta with black beans, corn, jalapeños, and a smoky chipotle tomato sauce. Topped with vegan cheese and baked until bubbly, it’s a fiesta for your taste buds.
- Key ingredients: rigatoni, black beans, corn, chipotle sauce, vegan cheddar cheese
- Serving tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro and avocado slices.
Classic Vegan Baked Spaghetti
Recreate the timeless baked spaghetti dish with layers of spaghetti, hearty marinara, vegan ricotta, and melted mozzarella. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for any night of the week.
- Key ingredients: spaghetti, marinara sauce, vegan ricotta, vegan mozzarella
- Learn more: Check out our Baked Spaghetti Vegetarian Recipe for Easy Family Dinner.
Conclusion
Baked vegan pasta recipes offer a fantastic way to enjoy wholesome, comforting meals that satisfy even the most devoted pasta lovers. With simple ingredients and easy steps, these dishes bring warmth and flavor to your dining table without relying on animal products.
The versatility of baked pasta allows you to customize each recipe to your taste, whether you prefer creamy sauces, fresh vegetables, or spicy undertones.
By embracing plant-based ingredients, you’re not only treating yourself to delicious meals but also contributing to a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable planet. If you enjoyed these recipes, don’t forget to explore other exciting plant-based dishes like our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for more inspiration.
Happy cooking, and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Baked Vegan Pasta
Description: A hearty and comforting baked pasta dish made with vegan cheese and tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner that everyone will love.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup firm tofu, crumbled
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add crumbled tofu, nutritional yeast, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce and spinach; cook until spinach wilts.
- Combine pasta with sauce mixture and half of the vegan cheese.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining vegan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 50 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Baked Vegan Pasta”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and comforting baked pasta dish made with vegan cheese and tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner that everyone will love.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 oz penne pasta”, “2 cups marinara sauce”, “1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded”, “1 cup firm tofu, crumbled”, “1/2 cup nutritional yeast”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “1 cup fresh spinach, chopped”, “1 tsp dried oregano”, “1/2 tsp red pepper flakes”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan, saut\u00e9 onion and garlic until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add crumbled tofu, nutritional yeast, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in marinara sauce and spinach; cook until spinach wilts.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine pasta with sauce mixture and half of the vegan cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining vegan cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50 g”}}