Dairy-Free Cheesy Baked Pasta
Indulge in the creamy comfort of this Dairy-Free Cheesy Baked Pasta, a plant-based twist on a classic favorite that's big on flavor and easy on allergens. This hearty dish features tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious cashew-based cheese sauce enriched with nutritional yeast for a bold, "cheesy" flavor without the dairy. Fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil add a vibrant burst of color and freshness, while a crispy layer of golden breadcrumbs tops it all off for a delightful contrast in texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe is not only dairy-free but also easily adaptable to be gluten-free, accommodating a wide range of dietary needs. Ready in under an hour, this baked pasta is proof that comfort food can be wholesome, delicious, and incredibly satisfying!
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Ingredients
- 400 grams Penne pasta (gluten-free if needed)
- 200 grams Raw cashews
- 250 milliliters Water
- 60 grams Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 100 grams Spinach, fresh
- 200 grams Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil, chopped
- 50 grams Breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 3
While the pasta is cooking, place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for 10 minutes.
Step 4
Drain the cashews and add them to a blender along with 250ml of water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 5
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and the cashew cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
Step 7
Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Step 8
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the breadcrumbs to help them crisp up during baking.
Step 9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Step 10
Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1338.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2522.4 |
| Total Fat 122.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 21.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3044.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 267.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 32.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 24.7g | |
| Protein 107.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 284.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 26.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3896.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories