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.
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.
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.
Instructions
Preparing this recipe 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 the ingredients. 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.
Serving suggestions
Serve this baked pasta casserole 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.
Try it with Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad, Tomato Onion Salad, or some mixed lettuces with Green Olive Salad Dressing.
And for even more delicious vegan recipes, join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook Group for support, inspiration, and fun.
Leftovers
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! ★★★★★
📋 Recipe
Vegan Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound zucchini, (about 2 medium) sliced into half moons
- 8 ounces mushrooms, (white or brown) sliced
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces penne, (or other short pasta) gluten-free, if preferred
- 32 ounces marinara sauce, (homemade or store-bought)
- 8 ounces shredded vegan cheese, (about 1 ½ cups) Mozzarella flavor, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and saute for 30 seconds, then add the zucchini and the mushrooms. Saute, stirring often, until the vegetables are tender and most of their liquid has evaporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta for about 2 minutes less than indicated on the package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the drained pasta. Add the cooked vegetables, then toss well to combine the pasta, sauce, and vegetables. (There is no need to heat the marinara sauce first.)
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a 3-quart casserole dish. Top with half the vegan cheese. Add the rest of the pasta mixture then top with the remaining vegan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake, uncovered, for 15 more minutes or until heated through and the vegan cheese is melted.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Charles Pattenson
This turned out great, thank you for the recipe..
Amy Katz
I'm glad you enjoyed it, Charles!
Carrie
Amazing! I’ve made it three times in a matter of two weeks!
Amy Katz
Thank you so much, Carrie!
Marlene Gee
This was absolutely delicious!! It didn't take long to put together either. I'll be having this often.
Amy Katz
That's fantastic to hear, Marlene! Thank you!
Cecilia Tung
So simple! I reused the pot to reduce dishes so i took half out of the pot then added dairyfree cheese and nutritional yeast then put pasta back on top.
Amy Katz
Thanks Cecilia, that's fantastic to hear!
Nomphiwo
Love it looks delicious, I'll try it
Carol
Ohhh geeesh, and of course that should have been "terrific"... not "terrify"... my little dog is sitting on my lap... and kitty sitting next to me... and typing went crazy! Yes, thank you, thank you for your wonderful site... I appreciate all the good recipes you are bringing to us...
Amy
Thank you so much, Carol!
Carol
Everything looks so wonderful on your great site... thank you so much! Thank you for making these lovely cruelty-free recipes for us... how terrify that we can eat fantastic food and not cause any harm to the animals. Thank you, dear...