Vegan Mediterranean Three-Cheese Baked Pasta

Creamy vegan Mediterranean baked pasta with three dairy-free cheeses. Moreover, it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.

Vegan Mediterranean Three-Cheese Baked Pasta is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Moreover, it combines classic Mediterranean vegetables with three layers of dairy-free cheese flavor. Because this dish is oven-baked, the textures become beautifully golden and bubbly. Additionally, it works well for meal prep, gatherings, or cozy weeknight dinners. As a result, you get comfort food that still feels fresh and nourishing.

🥣 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

Pasta & Vegetables

• 300 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup olives, sliced

Vegan Three-Cheese Sauce

• 1 cup cashews, soaked
• ¾ cup plant-based milk
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping

• ½ cup shredded vegan mozzarella
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. First, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
2. Next, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion until soft.
3. Then, add garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes, and olives, cooking until tender.
4. Meanwhile, blend soaked cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasonings until smooth.
5. After that, combine pasta, vegetables, and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
6. Once mixed, transfer everything to a baking dish and top with vegan mozzarella and breadcrumbs.
7. Finally, bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

💡 Tips for Best Results

• To begin with, salt pasta water well for better flavor
• Additionally, soak cashews longer for ultra-creamy sauce
• However, avoid overbaking to prevent dryness
• For extra richness, drizzle olive oil before baking

🔄 Variations

• For extra protein, add white beans or lentils
• If you love greens, mix in spinach or kale
• Alternatively, use gluten-free pasta
• Similarly, add sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor

🌱 Health Benefits

• Firstly, cashews provide healthy fats and minerals
• Secondly, vegetables supply fiber and antioxidants
• Moreover, nutritional yeast adds B-vitamins
• Therefore, this dish supports energy and digestion

🧒 Kid-Friendly Version

• To make it milder, reduce olives and garlic
• Instead of mixed vegetables, use corn or peas
• Additionally, choose fun pasta shapes
• Finally, serve with extra vegan cheese on top

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 14 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Calcium: Moderate