Dairy-Free Classic Cheesy Pasta Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Dairy-Free Classic Cheesy Pasta Bake—an irresistible plant-based twist on a timeless favorite! Perfectly al dente penne or rigatoni is tossed with a luxuriously creamy cashew-based "cheese" sauce, enhanced by nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and savory spices for a rich, cheesy flavor without any dairy. Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients, while a golden, bubbly layer of vegan mozzarella crowns each bite. Ready in under an hour, this hearty and wholesome pasta bake is an ideal weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal. Serve it warm with a crisp side salad or crusty garlic bread for a satisfying, family-friendly feast everyone will adore. With keywords like "dairy-free," "vegan cheesy pasta bake," and "plant-based comfort food," this dish will please your taste buds *and* search engines alike!
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Ingredients
- 350 grams uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 150 grams raw cashews
- 60 grams nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 500 ml unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 150 grams vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 100 grams spinach leaves, fresh
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
While the pasta is cooking, cover the cashews with boiling water in a bowl and let them soak for 10 minutes.
Step 4
After soaking, drain the cashews and add them to a blender along with the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, almond milk, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and spinach. Pour the blended cashew sauce over the pasta and mix until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Step 6
Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches). Sprinkle the vegan mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Step 7
If desired, sprinkle dried Italian herbs on top for extra flavor.
Step 8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 9
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 10
Serve warm and enjoy your Dairy-Free Classic Cheesy Pasta Bake with a side salad or garlic bread!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1396.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3146.1 |
| Total Fat 138.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 44.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3812.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 386.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 32.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 19.7g | |
| Protein 120.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 185.6IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1942.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 27.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3458.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories