Creamy Vegan Baked Pasta with Brussels Sprouts: A Comfort Food Delight

Craving a comforting, satisfying, and completely plant-based meal? Look no further! This creamy vegan baked pasta with Brussels sprouts is a game-changer. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or even a special occasion. The rich, dairy-free sauce, the slightly bitter and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, and the al dente pasta create a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, and it’s packed with nutrients. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Baked Pasta

* **Creamy and Dreamy:** The cashew-based sauce is incredibly rich and smooth, mimicking the texture of traditional cream sauces without any dairy.
* **Nutrient-Packed:** Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The cashews add healthy fats and protein.
* **Comfort Food at its Best:** This baked pasta is warm, comforting, and satisfying – everything you want in a classic comfort food dish.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its sophisticated flavor profile, this recipe is relatively simple to put together. Most of the work is done in the oven!
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or pasta shapes.
* **Vegan and Allergy-Friendly:** It’s perfect for those following a vegan diet, and it can be easily adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or cavatappi all work well. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
* **Brussels Sprouts:** 1 pound, trimmed and halved or quartered (depending on size).
* **Raw Cashews:** 1 1/2 cups, soaked in hot water for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator).
* **Nutritional Yeast:** 1/4 cup. This adds a cheesy, savory flavor to the sauce.
* **Vegetable Broth:** 1 cup. Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness of the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced.
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons. This brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons, divided.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon. Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Salt:** To taste.
* **Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (optional):** For a touch of heat.
* **Fresh Parsley (optional):** For garnish.

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large bowl for tossing pasta and Brussels sprouts
* Baking sheet
* High-speed blender or food processor
* 9×13 inch baking dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create this delicious creamy vegan baked pasta with Brussels sprouts.

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts. Remove the outer leaves if they are damaged or discolored. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half or quarter them, depending on their size. You want them to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
3. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated.
4. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the pasta water generously.
2. Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Vegan Sauce

1. Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them well.
2. In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is incorporated.
4. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Pasta

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted Brussels sprouts, and creamy vegan sauce.
2. Toss everything together until the pasta and Brussels sprouts are evenly coated in the sauce.
3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
3. Bake for 20 minutes.
4. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy! This dish is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Tips and Variations

* **Soaking the Cashews:** Soaking the cashews is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy sauce. If you’re short on time, you can soak them in boiling water for 30 minutes.
* **Adjusting the Sauce Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add more vegetable broth. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or cashew butter.
* **Adding Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach. Roast them along with the Brussels sprouts or sauté them before adding them to the pasta.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Add Protein:** For extra protein, add cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tofu to the pasta.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Use Different Pasta Shapes:** Experiment with different pasta shapes to find your favorite. Shells, rotini, and farfalle also work well.
* **Add a Breadcrumb Topping:** For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast. Sprinkle over the pasta before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy vegan baked pasta with Brussels sprouts is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
* **Crusty Bread:** Offer a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Add a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or zucchini.
* **Garlic Bread:** Pair it with homemade garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
* **Wine Pairing:** A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with this dish.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover creamy vegan baked pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Recipe Card

[This section would typically contain a formatted recipe card, which is difficult to represent accurately in plain text. It would include a summary of the ingredients and instructions in a printable format. You can use a WordPress plugin to create a visually appealing recipe card.]

Enjoy Your Delicious Vegan Baked Pasta!

This creamy vegan baked pasta with Brussels sprouts is a true comfort food masterpiece. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor and nutrients, and sure to be a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and prepare to indulge in a dish that will warm your heart and soul. Happy cooking!