Dairy-Free Baked Penne Pasta

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Dairy-Free Baked Penne Pasta, a luscious plant-based twist on a classic Italian favorite. This recipe combines tender penne tossed in a creamy, cashew-based sauce infused with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, seamlessly blended with crushed tomatoes and fresh spinach. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs, this dish is baked to perfection, delivering a satisfying, dairy-free meal that's rich in flavor and texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this pasta bake is entirely vegan, yet hearty enough to impress everyone at the table. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes and baked to bubbling goodness, this dish is a must-try for those seeking a wholesome, allergen-friendly comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups spinach, fresh
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and salt. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6

Meanwhile, prepare the cashew cream. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 7

Stir the cashew cream into the tomato sauce, mixing well. Add the fresh spinach and cook for about 2 minutes, until wilted.

Step 8

Combine the cooked penne pasta with the sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 9

Transfer the pasta mixture to a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 10

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the pasta.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2172.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2932.3

Total Fat 106.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 16.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4401.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 409.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.5g	0%
Total Sugars 44.3g
Protein 108.6g	0%

Vitamin D 87.8IU	0%
Calcium 990.9mg	0%
Iron 37.0mg	0%
Potassium 5932.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.6%

Protein: 14.3%

Carbs: 54.0%