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If you’re the kind of person that likes an easy dump and bake type recipe, this one is for you! This baked vegan pasta takes hardly any time to prepare—simply mix your ingredients together, dump them into your baking dish, and bake. It couldn’t get easier!

Baked vegan pasta in a casserole dish.

This recipe has been updated with new photos and helpful tips on January 19th, 2022.

Why this recipe works

This baked pasta vegan style is the easiest dump and bake recipe! No boiling necessary—just mix, dump and bake! It comes together in minutes for busy weeknights yet perfect for meal prep!

We love lazy vegan recipes like this. This casserole is perfect when you’re not motivated to cook or don’t have much time to be in the kitchen.

And it only requires 10 simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand!

While it’s cooking it gives your kitchen a delicious pizza aroma! It almost tastes like a deconstructed lasagna. We’ve been making this recipe a lot lately. It’s packed with protein from both the whole grain pasta and the tofu so it’s super filling!

You’re going to love this easy baked vegan pasta, it’s:

  • quick and easy
  • filling
  • 21 grams of protein per serving
  • cozy and delicious
  • a family favorite
  • perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights!

Ingredient notes

Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements.

The easy vegan casserole can be broken down into two parts:

The base: Crushed tomatoes, firm tofu (or firm silken tofu), vegan pasta of choice, and seasonings.

The topping: I prefer sliced zucchini but eggplant, or tomato slices with black olives would be tasty as well.

How to make

This step by step walk-through shows the process of making baked vegan pasta. Exact times and temperatures are available in the recipe card at the bottom.

Crushed tomatoes with seasonings.

In a large mixing bowl add your crushed tomatoes. Then add in the spices and seasonings and mix well.

Tomato, tofu and spices mixed together.

Next you’ll add the tofu. Crumble it into small bite-sized pieces and stir into the mixture.

Mixed ingredients with pasta in large bowl.

Add the pasta and stir well so that it’s evenly coated by the tomato mixture. Then dump it into a large casserole baking dish and top with zucchini, eggplant, or some tomato slices with black olives (yum!).

Tofu pasta mixture in casserole dish topped with sliced zucchini.

Bake at 425F for 40-45 minutes until pasta is cooked through.

FAQ’s

What type of tofu is best?

I have used both firm tofu and firm silken tofu for the recipe because it crumbles easily. I think any type of tofu could work but if you are using extra-firm tofu you will want to crumble it with your hands to make sure it breaks into smaller pieces.

No need to press your tofu for this but you will want to drain the extra liquid from the tofu package before adding it in.

Do I need cook the pasta ahead of time for baked pasta?

Nope! The great thing about this casserole is that all the cooking is done for you in the oven. The liquid from the tomatoes and tofu cooks the pasta, so there’s no need to precook or pre-boil it.

Can you freeze baked pasta?

Yes! This baked vegan pasta actually freezes really well. Store it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze individual servings to make it easier to reheat in the microwave or oven, otherwise, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.

Want more high protein pastas? These 20+ vegan pasta recipes have over 15 grams of protein serving.

Meal Prep

I shared this recipe from the Health My Lifestyle Meal Planner as part of a free online vegan meal prep cooking class in conjunction with Travel Tribe to help raise funds those impacted by the lockdown the most.

If you missed the class, it’s still available to watch on my Facebook page ! I show you how to make this PLUS the One-Pot Coconut Lentil Curry and the Snickerdoodle Mug Cake in LESS THAN ONE HOUR. Who said meal prep has to take all day?!

A serving of baked vegan pasta on a plate.

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Baked vegan pasta in a casserole dish.

Easy Baked Vegan Pasta

5 from 6 votes
Author: Rachel
If you're the kind of person that likes an easy dump and bake type recipe, this one is for you! This casserole takes hardly any time to prepare—simply mix your ingredients together, dump them into your baking dish, and bake. It couldn't get easier!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6

Method

  • oven

Ingredients 
 

  • 4 cups crushed tomatoes canned
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 28 oz firm tofu
  • 8 oz whole grain pasta or lentil pasta *rotini or penne (uncooked)
  • 1 zucchini large, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 425ºF (220ºC).
  • In a large bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes and seasonings.
    4 cups crushed tomatoes canned, 2 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Crumble the tofu over the bowl to break it into smaller pieces, then stir to evenly distribute.
    28 oz firm tofu
  • Add the pasta and stir well to mix, then transfer into a large casserole dish. Line the top with a layer of zucchini rounds (or your preferred topping). Bake in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the pasta is fully cooked. The zucchini should be roasted and golden brown (if it starts to burn, set a piece of foil on top).
    8 oz whole grain pasta or lentil pasta, 1 zucchini
  • Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

*In order to be gluten-free, select a gluten-free pasta.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer.
See post above for additional topping suggestions.

Nutrition

Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 612mg | Potassium: 653mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 412IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 252mg | Iron: 6mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Want to eat healthier but don’t know where to start?Get a free customizable meal plan and stop the struggle!

This recipe first appeared in the Health My Lifestyle Meal Planner.

For more plant-based eats check out the Health My Lifestyle Meal Planner. It makes plant-based eating effortless with easy recipes and simple customizable meal plans designed for busy people! Try for free!

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Recipe Rating




13 Comments

  1. This may be a silly question but I am unclear on whether the pasta goes in cooked or uncooked. Can you please clarify for me? Thanks!

    1. Oh yes that would be delicious! I like to sprinkle a little on top but you could also add it in before it bakes. Let me know how it turns out for you!

  2. 5 stars
    This is very good and easy to make. I think I would double the spices next time! Thank-you for the recipe!