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Plate with a fork holding vegan marinara rigatoni pasta bake

Vegan Marinara Rigatoni Pasta Bake

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This vegan marinara rigatoni pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. It's quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious!
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: marinara rigatoni pasta bake, marinara vegan pasta bake, ritagoni pasta bake, vegan pasta bake
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 534kcal

Instructions

  • Cook the Rigatoni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions (the pasta will continue to cook in the oven). Drain the pasta and set aside.
  • Prepare the Marinara Sauce (optional): If using store-bought marinara, warm it slightly in a saucepan for easier mixing. For homemade marinara, simmer your favorite tomato sauce recipe and season to taste with garlic, basil, and a pinch of sugar for balance.
  • Make the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted vegan butter. Optional: add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir until the breadcrumbs are well-coated.
  • Assemble the Pasta Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In the pot used to boil the pasta or the baking dish, combine the cooked rigatoni with the marinara sauce, ensuring all the pasta is coated.
  • Top and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top layer of vegan mozzarella. Then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded vegan mozzarella. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. You can cover the dish with foil if it begins to brown quickly (to prevent over-browning).
  • Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness!

Notes

*Pro Tip: If freezing leftovers instead of an entire batch, portion the pasta bake into individual servings in freezer-safe containers. This makes reheating single portions quicker and more convenient!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 734mg | Potassium: 453mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 3mg