Looking for a comforting, dairy-free pasta bake recipe that’s both satisfying and easy to make? This creamy, gluten-free dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. For more dairy-free delights, explore our Dairy-Free Raspberry and Almond Cake and Dairy-Free Almond Rice Pudding. Pair your meal with a refreshing Piña Colada Mocktail for a complete dining experience. According to Healthline, coconut milk is a nutritious dairy alternative, rich in healthy fats and essential nutrients.
🌿 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz (340g) gluten-free pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for spice)
Dairy-Free Creamy Topping:
- 1 cup coconut milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
- ½ cup cashews, soaked for 20 minutes (or ½ cup dairy-free ricotta)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping:
- ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup dairy-free cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Cook the gluten-free pasta 1-2 minutes less than package instructions (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft.
- Stir in garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then mix in the cooked pasta.
3️⃣ Blend the Dairy-Free Creamy Topping
- Blend the coconut milk, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
4️⃣ Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Transfer pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Pour the dairy-free creamy topping over it.
- Mix gluten-free breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the top. Add dairy-free cheese if using.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot!
✨ Tips & Variations:
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- For a protein boost, mix in cooked chicken or chickpeas.
- Swap cashews for silken tofu if nut-free.
Enjoy your gluten-free, dairy-free pasta bake! 🍝💛
