Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most mouthwatering, cheesy, and completely plant-based pasta bake you've ever tasted! This Pizza Vegan Pasta Bake is not just a meal – it's a culinary adventure that combines the irresistible flavors of pizza and pasta in one incredible dish. Whether you're a dedicated vegan, a curious foodie, or simply looking to shake up your dinner menu, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your pizza vegan pasta bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1 cup of shredded vegan mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of chopped bell peppers, 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce and cheese.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help the bake cook uniformly.
- Sprinkle any remaining vegan mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta mixture for an extra cheesy finish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a burst of flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve the pizza vegan pasta bake warm, and enjoy this delicious and comforting dish with family and friends!
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: The secret to an amazing vegan pasta bake is using top-notch vegan mozzarella and a rich marinara sauce. Look for brands that melt well and have great flavor.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente when boiling your penne. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so you want to avoid mushy texture.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on what you have. Zucchini, spinach, or olives can be great additions to this versatile dish.
- Maximize Flavor: Toast your Italian seasoning in a dry pan for a minute before adding it to the mix to enhance its aromatic qualities.
- Make It Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.Pro tip: For an extra crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
