Name: Vegan Pasta Bake with Tomato Sauce, Vegan Sausages, and Cheesy White Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 red onion, finely chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red pepper, finely chopped; 2 tins (800g total) chopped tomatoes; 175ml (3/4 cup) water; 5 sun dried tomatoes, in oil, finely chopped; 2 tbsp tomato puree; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tbsp mixed dried herbs; Pinch chilli flakes (optional); 6 vegan sausages, cut into small chunks; 1.5 tbsp vegan butter; 2 tbsp flour; 175ml (3/4 cup) unsweetened almond milk; 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard; 50g vegan cheddar; 350g (12.5 oz) penne pasta; 25g (1/4 cup) vegan cheddar, grated; 25g (1/4 cup) vegan mozzarella, grated

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If you are craving a heartwarming, satisfying meal that unites rich flavors and comforting textures, look no further than this incredible Vegan Pasta Bake with Tomato Sauce, Vegan Sausages, and Cheesy White Sauce Recipe. This dish brings together a luscious homemade tomato sauce, hearty vegan sausages, and the creamiest, cheesiest white sauce, all baked to golden, bubbling perfection. It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser that’s both nourishing and indulgent, perfect for cozy nights or feeding a hungry family with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal pot filled with a smooth, pale yellow creamy mixture being stirred by a metal whisk with a white handle, sitting on a round metal stand with cut-out patterns. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. Next to the pot is a small round bowl with coarse black pepper spilling out onto the surface. A white textured towel is partially visible on the upper left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple pantry staples and fresh produce come together beautifully in this recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role in layering flavors, adding texture, and bringing vibrant colors that make this pasta bake both delicious and attractive on the plate.

Red onion: Provides a sweet and mild base flavor that softens when sautéed.
Garlic cloves: Adds aromatic depth and a hint of warmth.
Red pepper: Contributes sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
Chopped tomatoes: The heart of the tomato sauce, offering rich, tangy body.
Water: Used to adjust sauce consistency.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a chewy, umami punch.
Tomato puree: Thickens and deepens the sauce’s richness.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds subtle sweetness and acidity to balance flavors.
Sugar: Helps cut tomato acidity for a harmonious taste.
Mixed dried herbs: Infuse earthy, savory notes for complexity.
Chilli flakes: Optional, but give a gentle spicy kick if you like a little heat.
Vegan sausages: The perfect protein-packed, flavorful component that crisps beautifully.
Vegan butter: The base for the white sauce, ensuring a luscious texture.
Flour: Creates the thickening roux for the creamy sauce.
Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the white sauce silky and plant-based.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and sharpness to the white sauce.
Vegan cheddar: Melts wonderfully into the white sauce for cheesy decadence.
Penne pasta: Holds sauce beautifully, with perfect bite and structure.
Vegan cheddar and mozzarella (grated): The ideal toppings for creating a golden, bubbling crust.

How to Make Vegan Pasta Bake with Tomato Sauce, Vegan Sausages, and Cheesy White Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Tomato Sauce

Start by finely chopping a red onion and sautéing it gently in a saucepan with some oil. This releases its sweetness and forms the flavor foundation. Next, mince garlic and chop the red pepper, adding these to the pan and cooking until everything is beautifully softened and fragrant. Once your vegetables are ready, stir in chopped tomatoes, water, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato puree, balsamic vinegar, sugar, dried herbs, and an optional pinch of chili flakes. Let everything simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops a rich, deep red color.

Step 2: Cooking the Vegan Sausages

While your sauce simmers, heat a little oil in a separate pan and chop the vegan sausages into bite-sized pieces. Fry them until they become golden brown and develop a crispy outer texture. This step is key to adding a satisfying savory dimension and a bit of chewiness to your bake.

Step 3: Making the Cheesy White Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt vegan butter over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Slowly pour in unsweetened almond milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once the sauce becomes smooth and thickened, stir in vegan cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard until fully melted and creamy. This cheesy white sauce is the indulgent layer that sets this bake apart.

Step 4: Cooking and Combining Pasta

Boil your penne pasta until al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Drain well and transfer the pasta to a large ovenproof dish. Pour over the seasoned tomato sauce and cooked sausages, then mix everything together to ensure each piece of pasta is delightfully coated.

Step 5: Assembling and Baking

Evenly pour the cheesy white sauce over the saucy pasta and sausage mixture. Sprinkle the grated vegan cheddar and mozzarella on top to create a golden, bubbling crust once baked. Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 180C/350F and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is perfectly melted and crispy around the edges.

How to Serve Vegan Pasta Bake with Tomato Sauce, Vegan Sausages, and Cheesy White Sauce Recipe

A blue bowl filled with pasta baked in three layers: the bottom layer is penne pasta coated in red tomato sauce with small chunks of meat, the middle layer has melted white cheese with a bubbly texture, and the top layer is sprinkled with fresh green basil leaves and cracked black pepper. A silver spoon rests on the right side inside the bowl. In the background is a small white bowl with sliced green basil and a glass of dark red drink on a white marbled surface, with a blue and white striped cloth near the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkle some vibrant green and a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that beautifully complements the rich bake. A few twists of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate the final presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp mixed salad to cut through the richness, or roasted seasonal vegetables for an added nutritional boost and variety of textures. Garlic bread made with vegan butter is another classic companion for sopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins to create personalized portions perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in. Alternatively, layer the components in a clear glass dish to show off the colorful layers for an impressive visual effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making the bake even tastier on day two.

Freezing

This Vegan Pasta Bake with Tomato Sauce, Vegan Sausages, and Cheesy White Sauce Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 180C/350F covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this bake?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because it holds sauce well, feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells according to your preference or what you have on hand.

What if I don’t have vegan sausages?

You can swap the vegan sausages for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu seasoned with herbs and spices to maintain the savory protein component.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the regular flour in the white sauce with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a gluten-free blend.

Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?

Definitely. The tomato sauce and white sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. Assemble the bake just before cooking for convenience.

How spicy is the bake if I include chili flakes?

The chili flakes add a gentle background warmth that doesn’t overpower the dish, but you can always omit them or adjust the amount to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pasta Bake with Tomato Sauce, Vegan Sausages, and Cheesy White Sauce Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more satisfying to eat. It strikes a perfect balance between comforting and nutritious, with flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s perfect for sharing at family dinners or simply treating yourself to a filling, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.