Dairy-free pasta bake recipe

This creamy, comforting pasta bake is completely gluten-free and dairy-free, yet packed with flavor! It features a rich tomato sauce, a creamy dairy-free topping, and plenty of baked-in goodness. Perfect for a cozy dinner!

🌿 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the 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)

For the 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

For the 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!