Vegan Mediterranean Cheese Baked Pasta — Creamy, Cheesy & Flavor-Packed
A comforting plant-based pasta bake loaded with Mediterranean flavors like garlic, herbs, olives, and a rich dairy-free “cheese” sauce. This dish is creamy, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Description
Vegan Mediterranean Cheese Baked Pasta combines tender pasta with a creamy cashew-based cheese sauce, tangy olives, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. It’s baked until golden and slightly crispy on top, giving you a comforting cheesy texture — completely dairy-free.
100% vegan
Rich & creamy without dairy
Great for meal prep
Healthy comfort food
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For Pasta
300 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni)
Water for boiling
Salt (for pasta water)
For Vegan Cheese Sauce
1 cup raw cashews (soaked 20 minutes in hot water)
1½ cups unsweetened plant milk
3 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Mediterranean Mix
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
½ cup black or green olives (sliced)
1 small onion (chopped)
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
½ cup spinach or zucchini (optional)
¼ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside (keep slightly firm).
Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce
Drain soaked cashews.
Blend cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Prepare Mediterranean Filling
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan.
Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
Add tomatoes, olives, herbs, and vegetables.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
Assemble
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Mix pasta, vegetable mixture, and cheese sauce in a baking dish.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Add extra chili flakes for spice.
Tips for Best Results
Soak cashews well for ultra-smooth sauce.
Use whole-wheat pasta for healthier version.
Add sun-dried tomatoes for stronger Mediterranean flavor.
Broil for last 2 minutes for extra crispy topping.
Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I make this nut-free?
Yes — replace cashews with blended silken tofu or sunflower seeds.
Q2: Which plant milk works best?
Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk works best.
Q3: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q4: How to store leftovers?
Refrigerate in airtight container for 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave.
Q5: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
Q6: What vegetables can I add?
Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant work great.