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Vegan Pasta Bake

This vegan pasta bake combines al dente pasta coated in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melty vegan cheese and crispy breadcrumbs, then baked until bubbling and golden. The dish offers a comforting, cheesy texture with a crunchy topping, evoking classic baked pasta with a plant-based twist. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for cozy nights and family dinners.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli) preferably whole wheat or gluten-free
  • 1 ½ cups tomato sauce homemade or jarred marinara
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
  • 1 cup vegan cheese melty, stretchy variety
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs preferably panko, toasted until golden
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for toasting breadcrumbs and drizzling
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ cup fresh basil chopped, optional garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Spatula or large spoon
  • Oven with broiler setting
  • Small skillet

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, toast the breadcrumbs in a small skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomato sauce, nutritional yeast, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and flavor.
  4. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
  5. Sprinkle the vegan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta, then scatter the toasted breadcrumbs over everything for that crunchy topping.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown.
  7. For an extra crispy top, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn. The top should be nicely browned and crunchy.
  8. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes—this helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired, then serve hot and enjoy that cheesy, crispy, comforting bite.