A delicious, protein-packed Perfect Pasta Bake made with Banza pasta and a rich blend of savory ingredients. The dish comes together with hearty oyster mushrooms, fragrant garlic and onions, colorful baby kale, bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a vibrant and flavorful base. A creamy cashew sauce binds everything together before being baked to golden perfection. Accompanied by an uplifting original song, this recipe highlights how easy it is to enjoy a satisfying, wholesome meal with bold flavors and nourishing ingredients that taste good and are high in veggies & protein.

If you love this recipe, you may also like my Vegan Chicken Pasta Bake and Pizza Pasta Bake!

COURSE: Main Dish / Entrée

CUISINE: Vegan Italian Fusion

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: (Per 2 cups)

Calories 403 kcal
Protein 41g
Dietary Fiber 10g

Why You Will Love This Perfect Pasta Bake:

This isn’t just any pasta bake—this is a one-dish wonder that’s easy to make, packed with over 41g of protein per serving, and bursting with rich Italian flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, grilled onions, and a medley of seasonings. Made with chickpea-based Banza pasta, mushrooms, and a creamy cashew cheese sauce, it’s the perfect vegan, gluten-free, and meal-prep-friendly dish that gets even better the next day. Wholesome, delicious, and effortlessly nourishing—this is comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for This Pasta Bake:

Seasoning is everything! Be generous with those Italian herbs—they bring that classic depth of flavor.
Love extra creaminess? Add an extra dollop of hummus or a sprinkle of vegan feta cheese before baking.
Want a crunch? Top with crispy potato chips for a crispy golden crust.
No Banza pasta? No problem! Use any gluten-free or organic pasta of your choice.

About the Ingredients:

The ingredients in this pasta bake work together like a flavor symphony! Banza chickpea pasta brings the protein and heartiness, while a dreamy cashew cheese sauce makes every bite rich and creamy. Mushrooms and kale add a deep, savory goodness, and a perfect blend of Italian herbs and spices ties it all together with bold, comforting flavors. Topped with melty vegan mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish bakes to bubbly, golden perfection—giving you the ultimate plant-based comfort food!

Banza Pasta

Banza Pasta is the perfect base for this dish, bringing a hearty texture and over 23g of protein per box! Made from chickpeas, it’s naturally gluten-free, fiber-rich, and packed with plant-based protein, making it a nourishing swap for traditional pasta. Plus, its slightly nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy cashew cheese sauce and bold Italian spices, making every bite both delicious and nutritious!

Chopped Mushrooms

Chopped mushrooms add a deep, savory umami flavor to this pasta bake, making it extra rich and satisfying! They soak up all the seasonings while bringing in a boost of antioxidants, fiber, and essential minerals like selenium and potassium. Plus, they’re low in calories but big on texture, giving this dish that hearty, meaty bite—without the meat!

For this pasta bake, I recommend using cremini (baby bella), shiitake, or portobello mushrooms for the best flavor and texture!

Oyster : Mild flavor with a meaty texture, perfect for soaking up all those Italian seasonings.
Shiitake: Rich, deep umami flavor that adds an extra savory punch.
King Trumpet: Thick and hearty, great if you want a meatier bite in every forkful!

You can also mix different mushrooms for a more complex flavor—because why not level up the deliciousness?

Fresh Kale

Fresh kale brings a pop of color, a boost of nutrients, and a subtle earthy bite to this pasta bake! Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber and antioxidants, kale adds a nourishing touch without overpowering the dish. As it bakes, it softens beautifully, blending into the creamy cashew cheese sauce while keeping the dish vibrant and wholesome. A perfect way to sneak in those greens while keeping things deliciously satisfying!

Sun Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich, tangy sweetness and an intense burst of umami flavor to this pasta bake! Their chewy texture and concentrated taste add depth, balancing the creamy cashew cheese sauce and savory mushrooms perfectly. Plus, they’re packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and lycopene, making this dish not just delicious, but extra nourishing too!

Cashew Cheese

Cashew cheese is the creamy, dreamy magic that makes this pasta bake irresistibly rich and velvety! Blended with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices, it creates a luscious sauce that coats every bite in dairy-free decadence. Plus, cashews bring in healthy fats, plant-based protein, and essential minerals like magnesium, making this dish as nourishing as it is indulgent. Get ready for next-level cheesy goodness—without the cheese!

Questions and Tips:

What equipment can I make this recipe in?

You’ll need a large skillet to sauté the veggies, a baking dish to bring everything together, a mixing bowl for easy prep, and a blender to whip up that creamy cashew cheese sauce (if you’re making it at home). Simple tools for a next-level, flavor-packed pasta bake!

Are the extra toppings necessary?

Nope, the extra toppings aren’t necessary, but they do take this pasta bake to the next level! Instead of vegan mozzarella and Parmesan, you can sprinkle on nutritional yeast for a cheesy boost, add toasted breadcrumbs for crunch, or drizzle a little garlic-infused olive oil for extra richness. Fresh basil or arugula also make a great garnish for a pop of flavor and color!

What else can I serve with this Perfect Pasta Bake?

Serve this perfect pasta bake with a crisp side salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, some warm garlic bread for dipping, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for extra color and nutrients. A bowl of hearty tomato soup or a light bruschetta appetizer would also pair beautifully, making it a complete, flavor-packed meal.

How long does this recipe last?

This recipe stays fresh in the fridge for up to 6 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy!

Will non-vegans like this?

Absolutely! This pasta bake is so creamy, cheesy, and flavorful that even non-vegans won’t miss the dairy or meat. The rich cashew cheese sauce, hearty mushrooms, and bold Italian spices create a comforting, satisfying dish that everyone will love—plant-based or not!

Perfect Plant-Based Pasta Bake