There’s nothing quite like a warm, bubbling pasta bake to make a night feel extra comforting.
Whether it’s chilly outside or you just need a fuss-free dinner the whole family will love, vegan pasta bakes are a delicious, wholesome go-to.
These hearty, plant-based dishes are packed with flavor, easy to make, and ideal for cozy nights at home.
From creamy classics to veggie-packed bakes, here are some of the best vegan pasta bake recipes you can enjoy straight from the oven.
Tried and tested – and with the seal of approval – from our family to yours:
Why Vegan Pasta Bakes Make the Perfect Comfort Food
Pasta bakes check all the boxes for a simple, satisfying meal. They’re:
- Easy to prepare with everyday ingredients
- Ideal for batch cooking and leftovers
- Adaptable for different dietary needs
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Best of all, they’re baked in one dish, saving on cleanup – always a win for busy weeknights, am I right?
Our Top 8 Vegan Pasta Bakes
We’ve shortlisted our favorite family pasta bakes (which was no easy feat) and we’ve shared the recipes with you below:
1. Creamy Vegan Baked Alfredo Pasta
A vegan twist on a comfort food classic, this creamy alfredo pasta bake is rich, smooth, and entirely dairy-free.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes)
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened plant milk
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
How to Make It
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a blender, combine soaked cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until creamy.
- Mix the sauce with cooked pasta and greens (if using), then transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
2. Veggie-Loaded Tomato Basil Pasta Bake
This colorful bake is filled with roasted vegetables, herbs, and a zesty tomato base — great for using up what’s in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (fusilli or ziti)
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup vegan cheese shreds (optional)
- Fresh basil for topping
How to Make It
- Roast the veggies at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta until just al dente.
- Mix roasted vegetables with pasta and marinara, then pour into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle vegan cheese on top and bake for 15–20 minutes.
- Finish with fresh basil before serving.
3. Cheesy Lentil and Spinach Pasta Bake
Packed with plant-based protein and iron, this hearty bake is perfect for anyone wanting a more filling dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 can cooked lentils, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups vegan béchamel or cheesy sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup crushed walnuts or breadcrumbs (for crunch)
How to Make It
- Cook pasta and drain.
- In a large bowl, mix lentils, spinach, pasta, and sauce. Add seasonings.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with walnuts or breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until top is golden.
4. Vegan Broccoli and Mushroom Pasta Bake
Creamy and packed with veggies, this bake features a rich sauce and earthy mushrooms — perfect for cozy evenings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 small head of broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups vegan cream or cashew sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste
- ½ cup vegan cheese (optional)
How to Make It
- Cook pasta and steam broccoli until tender.
- Sauté mushrooms and garlic in olive oil.
- Stir in cream, seasonings, broccoli, and pasta.
- Pour into a baking dish, top with cheese if desired.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
5. Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta Bake
This comforting bake features roasted butternut squash, sage, and a velvety sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 cups peeled, cubed butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 ½ cups vegan white sauce (cashew or tofu-based)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make It
- Roast squash with oil and sage for 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Mix with cooked pasta and white sauce.
- Transfer to a dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
6. Vegan Pesto and Tomato Pasta Bake
Bright and flavorful, this bake uses a creamy dairy-free pesto sauce with juicy tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- ½ cup vegan pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup vegan béchamel or cheese sauce
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- Fresh basil (for topping)
How To Make It
- Mix cooked pasta with pesto, tomatoes, and creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle with nutritional yeast and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
7. Spicy Vegan Sausage and Pepper Pasta Bake
Bold and savory with a hint of spice — this one’s for fans of extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 vegan sausages, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 cups spicy tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ cup vegan mozzarella (optional)
How To Make It
- Cook pasta and sauté sausage, peppers, and onions.
- Mix everything with tomato sauce and chili flakes.
- Top with cheese and bake for 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
8. Vegan Mac and Cheese Bake
A golden, kid-approved classic made with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 ½ cups plant milk
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
How To Make It
- Blend sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Stir into cooked pasta, then transfer to baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
9. Cheesy Vegan Baked Pasta
Simple, saucy, and extra cheesy, this is the kind of pasta bake that always gets requests for seconds.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (350g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 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 (14 oz / 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 (look for meltable or mozzarella-style)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for serving
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How to Make It
- Cook the pasta until just under al dente, then drain.
- Sauté the onion in olive oil until soft, then add garlic, herbs, and paprika.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and plant milk. Simmer for 10 minutes, season to taste.
- Mix the pasta with most of the sauce and half the vegan cheese.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with the remaining sauce and cheese, and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Pasta Bake Serving Suggestions
Pasta bakes are versatile and work beautifully with simple sides like:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or vegan focaccia
- Roasted seasonal vegetables
- A warming bowl of soup
For easy lunches the next day, portion leftovers into containers – pasta bakes reheat well and taste even better the next day.
Our Tips for the Perfect Vegan Pasta Bake
To get that dreamy texture and flavor every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t go mushy in the oven.
- Add a creamy sauce base using blended cashews, silken tofu, or store-bought vegan béchamel.
- Top with something crunchy like breadcrumbs, nuts, or seeds to give your bake a satisfying finish.
- Mix in fresh or roasted veggies to boost nutrition and color.
Vegan Pasta Bake Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Pasta bakes are great for prepping in advance. Here’s how to keep things simple:
- Make it ahead: Assemble everything up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Freeze for later: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until hot.
- Reheat leftovers: Warm individual servings in the oven or microwave with a splash of plant milk or sauce to keep things moist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something really comforting about pulling a hot pasta bake out of the oven and gathering around the table. It’s the kind of meal that feels like home, no matter what kind of day you’ve had.
Vegan pasta bakes are simple, satisfying, and easy to make your own. You can keep things classic, toss in whatever veggies are in the fridge, or go bold with big flavors. However you make it, you’re in for something warm and cozy.
Next time you’re planning a quiet night in, choose your favorite pasta, stir up a creamy sauce, and bake something that brings everyone together.
