Vegan Cheesy Baked Penne
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Vegan Cheesy Baked Penne, a hearty, plant-based twist on a classic baked pasta dish. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with a rich tomato sauce infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. A creamy, dairy-free "cheese" sauce made from almond milk, nutritional yeast, and turmeric adds a velvety texture and cheesy flavor, while baby spinach provides a nutritious boost. Topped with gooey vegan mozzarella and optional parmesan, this baked delight transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece in the oven. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this easy-to-make dish is packed with flavor and entirely vegan, ensuring everyone can enjoy its cheesy goodness guilt-free!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 500 milliliters unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 100 grams baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup vegan parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
In a separate medium saucepan, combine the almond milk, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, and turmeric. Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Combine the cooked penne, tomato mixture, and spinach in a large bowl. Pour the creamy cheesy sauce over the pasta mixture and stir until well coated.
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded vegan mozzarella cheese and grated vegan parmesan cheese if using.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Vegan Cheesy Baked Penne!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2626 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 112.3 g | 144% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.9 g | 200% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 5221 mg | 227% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 335.7 g | 122% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.1 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.8 g | ||
| Protein | 87.5 g | 175% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.6 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 2022 mg | 156% | |
| Iron | 26.0 mg | 144% | |
| Potassium | 2643 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
