Cheesy vegan baked ziti made with dairy-free sauce and pasta. Moreover, it’s easy to bake, family-friendly, and perfect for dinner.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 6)
For the Pasta
- 400 g ziti pasta (or penne)
- Water and salt for boiling
For the Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup unsweetened plant milk
- ¾ cup soaked cashews (or tofu ricotta)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup sautéed spinach or mushrooms
- Vegan mozzarella or parmesan (optional)
🔪 Cooking the Pasta
First, bring salted water to a boil.
Then, cook the ziti until just al dente.
Afterward, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Meanwhile, prepare the creamy sauce.
🥣 Making the Creamy Vegan Sauce
To begin, blend cashews, plant milk, garlic, and nutritional yeast until smooth.
Next, heat olive oil in a pan.
Then, add marinara sauce and stir in the blended mixture.
Finally, season with salt and pepper.
🔥 Assembling & Baking
Now, preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Then, mix the cooked pasta with the sauce.
After that, transfer everything to a baking dish.
Additionally, sprinkle vegan cheese if using.
Finally, bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Vegan Baked Ziti
- Firstly, don’t overcook the pasta before baking.
- Moreover, soak cashews for extra creaminess.
- Additionally, cover with foil if the top browns too fast.
- Finally, rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🔄 Variations to Try
- Protein Boost: Add lentils or vegan sausage
- Veggie-Loaded: Mix in zucchini or bell peppers
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta
- Spicy: Add chili flakes or hot sauce
- Low-Fat: Use silken tofu instead of cashews
💚 Health Benefits
This vegan baked ziti is rich in plant protein and fiber.
Moreover, nutritional yeast provides B-vitamins.
Because it’s dairy-free, it’s easier to digest.
As a result, it’s both comforting and nourishing.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
- Use mild marinara sauce
- Add extra vegan cheese
- Skip strong spices
- Serve with garlic bread or veggies
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
