Our Cheesy Vegan Baked Pasta Recipe For The Perfect Comfort Meal

Jess Miller

This is the kind of meal we make when everyone’s had a long day and dinner needs to feel cosy and familiar.

There’s something about baked pasta – warm, bubbling, and just the right amount of cheesy – that always brings people together.

This recipe gives you everything you’d expect from a classic baked pasta: a flavourful tomato sauce, a creamy dairy-free cheese topping, and perfectly cooked pasta baked to golden perfection.

It’s filling, easy to prep ahead, and just the thing to bring comfort to the dinner table.

In this article, you’ll find a full list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips for variations, serving suggestions, and how to store leftovers.

Whether you’re feeding kids, friends, or just making enough to have extras for tomorrow, this one’s worth keeping on regular rotation.

Contents hide

1 Why This Cheesy Vegan Pasta Bake Is Always a Hit

2 Ingredients To Make Our Vegan Cheesy Baked Pasta

3 How To Make Cheesy Vegan Baked Pasta

4 Easy Ways To Customise Your Vegan Pasta Bake

5 How To Serve Vegan Baked Pasta for a Cosy Family Meal

6 How To Store and Reheat Leftovers

7 Final Thoughts

8 Our Cheesy Vegan Baked Pasta Recipe For The Perfect Comfort Meal

8.1 Ingredients

8.2 Directions

Why This Cheesy Vegan Pasta Bake Is Always a Hit

This recipe is tasty and practical, which is music to our ears as busy parents.

Everything comes together in one dish, it’s easy to make in bulk, and the leftovers are just as good the next day.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something hearty without too much hands-on time.

The tomato sauce is simmered with garlic, herbs, and a touch of plant milk to balance the acidity and add a creamier texture.

Then comes the magic: layers of tender pasta, sauce, and melty vegan cheese baked together until golden and bubbling. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at the table, with second helpings nearly guaranteed.

Ingredients To Make Our Vegan Cheesy Baked Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

350g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (oat or soy recommended)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1½ cups shredded vegan cheese (choose one that melts well)
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for extra cheesiness)
Fresh basil or parsley, for serving

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the sauce. For the cheese, any brand that melts and stretches will work – look for one labelled as meltable or mozzarella-style.

How To Make Cheesy Vegan Baked Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking dish with oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just under al dente—it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, and paprika, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and plant milk. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the nutritional yeast if using.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with most of the tomato sauce (save a few spoonfuls to spread over the top). Stir through half the vegan cheese.
Spoon the pasta into the baking dish, pour over the remaining sauce, and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow everything to settle.

Easy Ways To Customise Your Vegan Pasta Bake

This dish is wonderfully flexible. You can stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables to add variety and boost nutrition.

A handful of chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes gives a tangy twist, while lentils or vegan mince make it even heartier.

If you prefer a more indulgent finish, spoon dollops of vegan cream cheese or béchamel sauce into the layers before baking. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed—just be sure not to overcook it during the boil.

How To Serve Vegan Baked Pasta for a Cosy Family Meal

This baked pasta is a meal in itself, but it’s lovely with a crisp side salad or steamed greens to round things out.

Garlic bread or a crusty sourdough loaf also makes a great pairing, especially for soaking up that extra sauce.

If you’re making it for guests or a special occasion, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil just before serving to add a fresh, flavourful finish.

How To Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftover vegan baked pasta stores well and makes a quick meal for the next day. Let it cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to four days.

Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions with a splash of plant milk to keep the sauce creamy.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Just keep in mind that some vegan cheeses may change texture slightly after freezing.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy vegan baked pasta is everything we love in a comfort meal – easy to prepare, full of flavour, and the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table.

With its bubbling top and rich, savoury sauce, it’s a recipe that always feels like a warm, familiar favourite.