Easy Vegan Pasta Bake Recipe

You know those days, the ones where the rain is coming down in sheets and all you want is a big, warm hug? For me, that hug is a big ol’ bowl of pasta. I’ll never forget the first time I tried to make a pasta bake for my family after we decided to eat more plant-based meals. I thought I had everything under control, but I totally misread the box and ended up with pasta that was way too mushy. It wasn’t my best work, but my two little ones, bless their hearts, piled it on their plates anyway and ate every bite. “It’s so yummy, Mama!” they said. That’s when I learned that perfect isn’t the goal—comfort and love are.

Since that first attempt, I’ve perfected this easy vegan pasta bake recipe. It’s become our go-to comfort food for busy weeknights and chilly, rainy evenings. It’s so simple, even a kid could help make it (and mine do!). This recipe is not just for vegans; it’s for anyone who wants a filling, tasty meal that feels like a big, warm hug. Trust me, you’ve got this.

Ingredients

Here’s a look at everything you’ll need to get this yummy dish started. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on the list—I’ve included some easy swaps!

• 1 (16-ounce) box of your favorite pasta (any kind works, really!)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup of vegan cheese shreds (you can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil for cooking
• Salt and pepper to taste

Easy Swaps:

• No chickpeas? Use a can of lentils or your favorite beans instead.
• Don’t have vegan cheese? No problem! Just sprinkle a little extra nutritional yeast on top for that cheesy taste. It’s a great way to make a quick vegan pasta bake.
• Want more veggies? You can totally add in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a big handful of fresh spinach.

Tools You’ll Use

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe. Just a few basics from your kitchen.

• A large pot to cook the pasta
• A big pan or pot to mix the sauce
• A 9×13-inch baking dish
• A big spoon for stirring
• Your oven!

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 6

Instruction

This is the fun part! You can get the little ones involved here. They love stirring the sauce and sprinkling on the cheese.

1. Get the oven ready! First, ask a grown-up to turn on the oven and set it to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta. Boil your pasta in a big pot of water according to the directions on the box. You want it to be a little bit undercooked, or al dente, because it will cook more in the oven. When it’s done, drain it and put it back in the pot.
3. Cook the veggies. While the pasta is boiling, heat the olive oil in your big pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and smells great. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Try not to burn the garlic—it can get bitter!
4. Make the sauce. Next, pour in the jar of pasta sauce, the can of diced tomatoes (liquid and all!), the rinsed chickpeas, and the dried oregano and basil. Stir everything together. Bring it all to a gentle bubble, then turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Mix it all up. Pour the sauce and the cooked pasta into the same pot. Stir it well so that every piece of pasta is covered in that yummy sauce.
6. Bake time! Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into your baking dish. Sprinkle the vegan cheese shreds all over the top. Now, bake it for about 20-25 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the sauce will be warm and delicious.

Healthy Tips

This dish is a sneaky way to get some good stuff in your tummy!

• Tomatoes are a superfood! They have something called Vitamin C, which helps your body stay strong and healthy so you don’t get sick. It’s like a superhero for your body!
• Chickpeas are full of protein, which is what builds strong muscles. Protein helps you run fast and play all day long.
• Pasta gives you lots of energy to run around and have fun. The best part is, you can use whole wheat pasta to get even more good stuff, like fiber, which keeps your tummy happy.

Make it even better: A super easy way to make this dish even healthier is to stir in a big handful of spinach when you add the sauce to the pasta. It will wilt right away and you won’t even notice it’s there!

Family Tip: This is a great dish to make ahead! You can freeze leftovers in single-serving containers for quick lunches on a busy day. Just thaw it out and heat it up in the microwave.

Make It Your Own

The best thing about this easy vegan pasta bake recipe is that you can change it up however you like. Want a little more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Have leftover veggies in the fridge? Chop them up and toss them in with the onions. The possibilities are endless!

If you loved this recipe and are looking for another quick, cozy meal, you should definitely try my Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese. It’s another family favorite! And for more healthy eating ideas for kids, check out this great article from a trusted source.

I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your house. It’s simple, comforting, and just plain yummy. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Tell me all about it in the comments below. Happy cooking!