Vegan Pasta Bake with Zucchini

Vegan Pasta Bake is a delicious casserole that’s ready in an hour. Add your favorite vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms to make it a complete meal.

Some people think that by eating plant based, they’ll have to give up their comfort food favorites.

But that can’t be farther from the truth.

A lot of us grew up eating casseroles loaded with creamy sauces which weren’t exactly healthy.

However, it’s easy to take nutritious fresh vegetables and incorporate them into our old favorite recipes.

Some of the vegan baked dishes I love to make include Tofu Scramble Tater Tot Casserole and Black Bean Quinoa Casserole.

Personally I think they taste even better than the dishes I ate as a kid containing condensed soup and canned vegetables.

(And if you’re like me and love reading about the origins of cooking and food, check out great moments in casserole history.)

Anyway, I think you’re really going to enjoy this Vegan Pasta Bake.

It’s a lot easier and faster than making a traditional lasagna, and it’s just as delicious.

Your favorite vegetables

 

Vegan Pasta Bake can be made with any of your favorite vegetables.

I chose zucchini and brown cremini mushrooms in this version.

But I generally choose whichever vegetables look good at the market.

Or whatever I have in my refrigerator that needs using up.

Some of my go-to choices for this vegan pasta bake are spinach, eggplant, onions and kale.

And I always add fresh garlic for extra flavor.

Vegan Pasta Bake Ingredients

 

Besides the vegetables, you only ingredients you’ll need a few ingredients to make this recipe:

• short pasta such as penne
• marinara pasta sauce
• shredded vegan cheese

I buy a box of gluten-free pasta, a large jar of sauce, and a bag of shredded plant-based cheese from my local supermarket, along with whatever vegetables I’m in the mood for.

Easy preparation

 

Making Vegan Pasta Bake is quick and simple.

Start by sauteing the vegetables in a little oil or water.

I like to cook them until most of the liquid from the vegetables has evaporated so I don’t end up with a soggy penne pasta casserole.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta for about 2 minutes less than indicated on the package since the noodles will continue to cook in the oven.

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Then add the cooked vegetables and a jar of marinara sauce.

There’s no need to heat the sauce first.

Mix it all up, then we’re ready to layer all the ingredients for our vegan pasta bake.

Start by adding half of the pasta mixture to the casserole dish. 

Then add half the shredded vegan cheese.

Repeat with the rest of the pasta and cheese.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Then carefully remove the foil, and bake the casserole for another 15 minutes or until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.

It’s as easy as that!

Vegan Pasta Bake Recipe

Serve Vegan Pasta Bake with a side salad or enjoy it on its own.

It’s perfect for any night of the week as part of a healthy plant-based Mediterranean diet.

And the leftovers can be refrigerated for several days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

I always look forward to the leftovers for lunch.

If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars!