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Vegan Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.1 from 76 reviews

This comforting vegan pasta bake combines tender pasta with a rich, flavorful mix of sautéed vegetables, lentils, and marinara sauce, topped with vegan cheeses and baked to perfection. It’s a satisfying, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta & Sauce

  • 12 ounces pasta (of choice)
  • 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
  • 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Vegetables & Lentils

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups diced red onion
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 medium bell pepper (finely diced)
  • 2 medium carrots (finely diced)
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked green lentils

Cheeses

  • 1/2 cup vegan parmesan
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded vegan mozzarella

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
  3. Heat Oil: Add the olive oil to a skillet and heat it over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. Sauté Onion: Add the diced red onion to the skillet and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly softened.
  5. Add Garlic, Pepper, & Carrots: Stir in the minced garlic, finely diced bell pepper, and diced carrots. Continue sautéing the mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors.
  6. Add Lentils, Tomatoes, Sauce, & Seasoning: Add the cooked green lentils, diced tomatoes with their juice, marinara sauce, salt, and black pepper to the vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine and let it simmer briefly to meld the flavors.
  7. Add Pasta, Basil, & Parmesan: Incorporate the cooked pasta, chopped fresh basil, and vegan parmesan cheese into the sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
  8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined pasta and vegetable sauce mixture into a large casserole or baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  9. Top with Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle the shredded vegan mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta bake. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
  10. Enjoy: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty, vegan pasta bake!

Notes

  • You can use any pasta shape such as penne, rigatoni, or fusili for this recipe.
  • For added protein, increase the lentils or add other plant-based proteins like crumbled tofu.
  • If you cannot find vegan parmesan or mozzarella, substitute with your preferred vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can enhance the flavor further.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegan