Vegan Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Casserole

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the hearty embrace of a pasta casserole. A classic pasta bake, often combined with melty cheese and colorful vegetables, transcends dietary boundaries, making it a beloved staple in countless homes. Today, we’re excited to share a delightful twist on this classic—a Vegan Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Casserole that’s bound to be a hit.

This dish is not only rich and satisfying but also packed with wholesome ingredients to please your taste buds while keeping things entirely plant-based. Even if you're not a seasoned vegan, this casserole will impress everyone around the dinner table.

Makes 5 servings | ⏱️ 1 hour

Pasta Ingredients:

• 400 grams pasta

• 3 cups or 2 large heads of broccoli, chopped, florets only

• 3 cups cherry tomatoes

• 3/4 cup vegan cheese

Cheesy Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 medium russet potatoes, skin peeled and chopped

• 4 medium carrots, skin peeled and chopped

• 6 garlic cloves

• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 2/3 cup raw cashews

• 1 cup water

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the cheese sauce. In a small pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes and carrots, and cook until they are tender, approximately 6-8 minutes.

2. Drain and allow to cool before placing the potatoes, carrots, and remaining sauce ingredients into a high-speed blender.

3. Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C).

4. Next, fill a large pot with water until it's three-quarters full and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is al dente or as instructed on the package.

5. Drain and place the pasta back into the pot. Mix in the cheesy sauce, chopped broccoli, and cherry tomatoes. Stir thoroughly, then transfer to a large baking dish.

6. Cook the pasta for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove and cover the top with vegan cheese and return to the oven for another 10 minutes or until your cheese is melted. Different vegan cheese brands melt at different speeds so be sure to keep an eye on it.

Note:

• The cheesy sauce goes well on other dishes as well so feel free to make a double batch for burritos, etc.