Ultimate Vegan Cheese Pasta Bake: Easy, Cheesy & Comforting Weeknight Meal for Any Occasion
This Vegan Cheese Pasta Bake is the ultimate crowd pleaser and perfect for a weeknight meal or your holiday table! It’s easy and loaded with flavour and makes for the perfect plant-based comfort food!
This post is sponsored by Thrive Algae Oil. All opinions and text are 100% mine. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that support Jessica in the Kitchen!
There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm, bubbling pasta bake, especially as the days grow shorter and cooler. For many years, Italian cuisine, particularly pasta dishes, held a special place in my heart. My first trip to Italy was nothing short of culinary heaven, filled with every kind of pasta imaginable. While my culinary preferences have broadened since then, the undeniable allure of a simple, delicious, and hot pasta dish remains a constant. This deep appreciation for hearty, flavourful meals is precisely what inspired me to create this incredible Vegan Cheese Pasta Bake – a dish designed to wrap you in warmth and satisfy those deep comfort food cravings.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Vegan Pasta Bake
It’s been far too long since I last indulged in the sheer joy of a proper pasta bake, and let me tell you, this one reignited my passion! What makes a pasta bake so universally loved? For me, it boils down to a few key elements, all of which this vegan rendition masterfully achieves:
- Cheesy Perfection: A generous blanket of melted, gooey vegan cheese that stretches and sizzles.
- Saucy Delight: Rich, flavourful tomato sauce that coats every single noodle, ensuring no dry bites.
- Baked to Flavour Heaven: The magic of oven baking transforms simple ingredients into a cohesive, deeply flavoured masterpiece with wonderfully crispy edges.
Instead of just listing its virtues, let me just say this: prepare to be utterly delighted. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience, a heartwarming embrace in every forkful. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, impressive enough for a holiday gathering, and always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The Secret Ingredient: Thrive Algae Oil
When developing this recipe, I was determined to highlight and enhance the natural, vibrant flavours of the vegetables and rich tomato sauce. My immediate choice for achieving this was Thrive Algae Oil. I was initially captivated when I learned about this unique oil. Did you know that the algae used to create Thrive Algae Oil is sourced from the sap of a chestnut tree? The makers of Thrive meticulously researched hundreds of algae strains to discover the one with the optimal fat profile and taste characteristics. It’s truly fascinating how nature provides such innovative ways to enhance our food, and having tried algal powder before, I was eager to experience this oil.
Why Thrive Algae Oil Shines in Your Kitchen
My first impressions of Thrive Algae Oil were overwhelmingly positive. It is, quite frankly, a fantastic cooking oil! Here’s why it has become a staple in my kitchen, especially for recipes like this Vegan Cheese Pasta Bake:
- Neutral Taste and Aroma: Unlike some oils that can impart their own strong flavour, Thrive Algae Oil is truly tasteless and odourless. This means it acts as a subtle enhancer, allowing the authentic flavours of your ingredients to shine through beautifully, rather than masking them. This quality is something I absolutely adore in a cooking oil, especially when you want the pasta, vegetables, and sauce to be the stars of the show. Many Amazon reviewers echo this sentiment, raving about its pure neutrality.
- Incredibly High Smoke Point: This is arguably my favorite feature of Thrive Algae Oil. Its exceptionally high smoke point is a game-changer. My husband, Gav, loves to cook at high temperatures, which often makes me a little nervous with other oils. Knowing that Thrive Algae Oil can safely withstand high heat without breaking down or producing harmful compounds gives me immense peace of mind. This characteristic makes it superb for everything from stir-frying to deep-frying, and crucially, for baking dishes like this pasta bake, where even heat distribution and a clean finish are paramount. It ensures your dish cooks evenly and perfectly without any off-flavours.
- Heart-Healthy Benefits: Beyond its culinary advantages, Thrive Algae Oil is composed of 90% monounsaturated fat, making it one of the healthiest cooking oils available. This contributes to heart health, offering a nutritious alternative without compromising on performance or taste.
We’ve been incorporating Thrive Algae Oil into our meals for weeks now, and a single bottle truly lasts. Its versatility means it performs wonderfully in almost any dish, from sautés to salad dressings. As I mentioned, this Vegan Cheese Pasta Bake achieved an incredibly mouth-watering flavour profile, thanks in no small part to this oil. Since that first try, it’s become a go-to in nearly every meal, and I’ve absolutely fallen in love with it.
Crafting Your Perfect Vegan Cheese Pasta Bake: Ingredients & Process
Building this pasta bake is a joyous process, combining simple, fresh ingredients to create layers of exquisite flavour. Here’s a closer look at the key components and how they come together:
Key Ingredients Spotlight:
- Rigatoni Pasta: The ideal choice for this bake! Its tubular shape and ridged surface are perfect for catching and holding onto the rich tomato sauce and tiny pockets of melted cheese, ensuring a burst of flavour with every bite.
- Thrive Algae Oil: Our star oil, used for sautéing and greasing the pan, ensuring a non-stick surface and perfectly cooked vegetables without any competing flavours.
- Shiitake Mushrooms: These add a wonderful umami depth and meaty texture, making the dish even more satisfying. Their earthy flavour complements the robust tomato sauce beautifully.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes & Minced Garlic: A powerhouse duo for intense flavour. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweet, concentrated tomato essence, while fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch that is foundational to Italian cuisine.
- Fresh Spinach: Wilted into the sauce, spinach adds a touch of green, vitamins, and a subtle freshness that brightens the entire dish.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavours into harmony.
- Dried Oregano & Fresh Basil: These classic Italian herbs are crucial for that authentic flavour profile. Oregano provides a warm, earthy note, while fresh basil adds a fragrant, slightly sweet counterpoint, especially when sprinkled on top as a garnish.
- Vegan Mozzarella & Vegan Parmesan: The magic behind the creamy, cheesy factor. High-quality vegan mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that signature gooey texture, while vegan Parmesan adds a salty, umami kick to the top crust.
- Roasted Tomatoes (or Marinara Sauce): The heart of our sauce! Using both 28-ounce and 14-ounce cans of roasted tomatoes ensures a rich, deep tomato base. Alternatively, a good quality marinara sauce can be a convenient substitute.
Assembling Your Bake: Step-by-Step
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking your rigatoni according to package directions. Al dente is best, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Prep the Pan: Lightly grease your baking dish with Thrive Algae Oil. This prevents sticking and contributes to a beautiful crust.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies: In a pan, heat Thrive Algae Oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic until the mushrooms are slightly tender and fragrant. This step builds the aromatic foundation of your sauce.
- Wilt the Spinach and Build the Sauce: Add the fresh spinach, seasoning with sea salt and black pepper, and cook until wilted. Stir in the roasted tomato sauce, dried oregano, and fresh basil, combining everything thoroughly.
- Combine and Layer: Transfer the cooked rigatoni to your prepared baking dish. Pour the rich tomato and vegetable mixture over the pasta and stir to ensure every piece is coated. Incorporate about half a cup of vegan mozzarella into the pasta mix for pockets of melted cheese throughout.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the remaining vegan mozzarella and vegan Parmesan over the top. This creates that irresistible golden-brown, bubbly crust everyone loves.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly browned. The oven’s heat will allow all the flavours to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a final sprinkling of fresh basil before serving hot.
Tips for the Best Vegan Cheese Pasta Bake
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your rigatoni to al dente, or even slightly undercooked. It will finish cooking in the oven and absorb more of the delicious sauce without becoming mushy.
- Layer the Flavors: Don’t just dump all ingredients in. Sautéing the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and mushrooms first in the algae oil allows them to release their aromatic compounds, building a deeper flavour base for your sauce.
- Good Quality Vegan Cheese: The quality of your vegan mozzarella and parmesan matters! Choose brands that are known for melting well and having a good flavour. This will make all the difference in the final cheesy texture.
- Don’t Skimp on Herbs: Fresh basil is highly recommended for garnishing. Its vibrant, peppery notes really elevate the dish.
- Rest Before Serving: While tempting to dig in immediately, letting the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes after coming out of the oven allows the sauce to settle and thicken slightly, making for easier serving.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This Vegan Cheese Pasta Bake is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments:
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta bake.
- Garlic Bread: Is there any better pairing with pasta than warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce?
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of broccoli or green beans adds extra nutrients and crunch.
Make It Your Own:
Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or kale would all be delicious additions to the sautéed mixture.
- Boost the Protein: Stir in some cooked lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled vegan sausage for an even heartier meal.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can give it a lovely kick.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of vegan cheeses like provolone or smoked gouda for varying flavour profiles.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary hug that’s accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It perfectly balances ease of preparation with incredible depth of flavour, making it suitable for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. The use of Thrive Algae Oil not only makes this dish healthier but also ensures a pure, unmasked taste that truly allows the vibrant ingredients to sing. It’s a testament to how delicious and satisfying plant-based cooking can be.
I truly hope you give this recipe a try and discover the magic of this Vegan Cheese Pasta Bake for yourself. And while you’re at it, do check out Thrive Algae Oil – you might just find your new favourite cooking oil! Enjoy, friends!
Vegan Cheese Pasta Bake
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Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni
- 2 tablespoons Thrive Algae Oil
- 10 ounces sliced shiitake mushrooms, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons Sun-dried tomatoes
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups spinach
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 8 ounces vegan mozzarella
- 1 (28 ounce) can or jar roasted tomatoes, or marinara sauce
- 1 (14 ounce) can or jar roasted tomatoes, or marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegan Parmesan cheese
- Top with more basil
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions in a pot of salted water.
- Lightly grease a 13” x 9” pan with Thrive Algae Oil, and set aside.
- In a pan over medium high heat, add the Thrive Algae Oil. Add the mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and garlic and sauté down for about 5 minutes, until mushrooms are slightly shrived.
- Add in the spinach and season with sea salt and black pepper. Sauté down for about 3 minutes, until spinach is wilted. Stir in the tomato sauce, dried oregano and basil and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked rigatoni to your 13” x 9” pan, then add in the mix until top. Stir to combine. Add ½ cup of your vegan mozzarella throughout the dish and stir to combine again. Then top with remaining vegan mozzarella and vegan parmesan.
- Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes so everything comes together beautiful and the cheese melts. Top with more basil and serve and enjoy!
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.