Description of this recipe
This One-Pot Easy Vegan Pasta Bake is a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly simple dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Combining the convenience of a one-pot meal with the rich flavors of a traditional baked pasta, this vegan version doesn’t skimp on taste or texture. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that the whole family will love, and it’s packed with hidden veggies for an extra nutritional boost. The creamy vegan ricotta and gooey mozzarella melt beautifully into the pasta, creating a decadent, cheesy experience without any dairy.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this recipe because it’s:
- Easy and Convenient: Everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
- Vegan and Delicious: It’s a plant-based meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture, making it perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out veggies or add extra spices to suit your preferences.
- Comforting: The creamy, cheesy texture and rich tomato sauce create a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the familiar flavors and fun pasta shape.
Ingredients:
- 2 handfuls organicgirl Baby spinach
- 1 box rigatoni pasta (use gluten-free if needed)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz vegan Ricotta (Kite Hill is the only brand I recommend)
- ⅔ cup vegan Mozzarella (I love Good Planet because it’s made with olive oil)
- ¼ cup fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pasta bakes evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients:
In a large oven-safe pan or casserole dish (at least 9×13 inches), add the uncooked rigatoni pasta, marinara sauce, vegetable broth, cherry tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the pan is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and allow for bubbling during baking.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients:
Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce and broth. This is crucial for even cooking; pasta that isn’t submerged will remain hard.
Step 4: Add the Spinach and Ricotta:
Mix in the baby spinach and dollop half of the ricotta over the pasta. Stir gently to combine. The spinach will wilt during baking, adding a boost of nutrients and a touch of green to the dish. Distributing half of the ricotta throughout the pasta ensures a creamy texture in every bite.
Step 5: Top with Mozzarella:
Sprinkle half of the vegan mozzarella evenly over the top of the dish. This layer of mozzarella will melt and create a cheesy crust on top of the pasta bake.
Step 6: Bake:
Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. The foil helps to trap moisture, ensuring the pasta cooks properly and doesn’t dry out. After 30 minutes, remove from the oven and stir until all the cheese is combined. This step helps to evenly distribute the melted cheese throughout the pasta. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese and dollop the leftover ricotta and place back in the oven uncovered to bake for 20-25 more minutes. Baking uncovered allows the remaining mozzarella to melt and brown, creating a golden, bubbly topping.
Step 7: Add Basil and Serve:
Remove from the oven, stir gently, and top with fresh basil before serving. The fresh basil adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color to the finished dish. Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This One-Pot Easy Vegan Pasta Bake is delicious on its own as a hearty main course. You can also serve it with:
- A side salad for a lighter meal.
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Roasted vegetables for added nutrients and flavor.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Tips:
- Use a good quality marinara sauce: The sauce is the base of this dish, so choose a brand that you love.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Be sure to check the pasta for doneness after the initial 30 minutes of baking. If it’s still too firm, continue baking for a few more minutes.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Taste the sauce before baking and add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder as needed.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Make it gluten-free: Simply use gluten-free rigatoni pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Customize the cheese: If you don’t like vegan mozzarella, you can use another type of vegan cheese, such as cheddar or provolone.
- Make it ahead of time: You can assemble this pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen. Allow to cool completely then wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Allow to defrost completely before reheating in the oven.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
50-55 minutes
Total Time:
65-70 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 450 Protein: 20g Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
This One-Pot Easy Vegan Pasta Bake is a delicious and convenient meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, rich tomato sauce, and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy the ease of one-pot cooking without sacrificing flavor!
5 Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Question 1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Answer: Absolutely! While rigatoni is recommended for its shape and ability to hold sauce, you can substitute it with other similar pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even macaroni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, as different pasta types may cook at different rates.
Question 2: What if I can’t find Kite Hill vegan ricotta?
Answer: Kite Hill is highly recommended due to its superior taste and texture, but if you can’t find it, you can try another brand of vegan ricotta. However, be aware that the quality and flavor may vary. Alternatively, you can make your own vegan ricotta using cashews or tofu. There are many recipes available online.
Question 3: Can I add protein to this dish?
Answer: Yes, you can easily add protein to this pasta bake. Some great options include cooked lentils, chickpeas, white beans, or crumbled vegan sausage. Simply add the protein along with the other ingredients before baking.
Question 4: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan?
Answer: To prevent sticking, make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce and broth before baking. Also, stirring the pasta halfway through the baking process can help prevent sticking. Using a non-stick oven-safe pan can also minimize the risk of sticking.
Question 5: Can I make this recipe without vegan cheese?
Answer: Yes, you can omit the vegan cheese if you prefer. However, the cheese adds a lot of flavor and creaminess to the dish. If you’re skipping the cheese, you might want to add a little extra nutritional yeast or a touch of vegan cream cheese to enhance the flavor and texture.
