Discover easy vegan and vegetarian baked pasta recipes brimming with fresh veggies, gooey cheese, and savory sauces—perfect for cozy family meals.
If you’re a pasta lover on the lookout for simple, flavorful ways to enjoy plant-based meals, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a committed vegan or a vegetarian (or just someone trying to add more veggie-friendly options to your meal plan), baked pasta dishes are a great way to combine colorful vegetables, comforting sauces, and lots of cheese (or dairy-free cheese) into one delicious casserole dish. Below, you’ll find a curated list of easy baked ziti, veggie pasta bake, and cheesy pasta recipes that use everything from tomato sauce and white sauce to fresh herbs and vegan cheeses. These dishes will please the whole family—including meat-eaters—and are perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy gathering.

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Jump to:
- Creamy Baked Pesto Pasta
- Baked pasta with Brussels sprouts and broccoli
- Cheesy Butternut Squash Pasta Bake
- Oven Baked Whole Wheat Pesto Pasta
- 6 Cheese Mac and Cheese
- Mushroom Cannelloni (Manicotti) Recipe
- Asparagus Lasagna (lasagne agli asparagi)
- Vegetarian Lasagne with Sweet Potato and Kale
- Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake (Gluten Free)
- Goats Cheese Stuffed Shells
- Spooky Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
- Alfredo Rotini Pasta Bake
- Easy Lasagna Recipe
- Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
- Pecan Mac and Cheese Bake
- Baked Goat Cheese Oyster Mushroom Pasta
- Make-Ahead Manicotti
- Goat Cheese Mac And Cheese
- Vegan Cacio e Pepe
- Vegan Tuna Casserole
- White Lasagna With Mushrooms, Spinach And Artichokes
- Kale + Sweet Potato Veggie Lasagna Gluten-Free
- Baked Five Cheese Ziti al Forno Recipe
- Baked Cannelloni with Spinach Recipe
- Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Vegetable Lasagna with Bechamel
- Meatless Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella
- Easy Vegan Pasta Bake with Meat-free Sausage
- Greek Pasta Bake with Feta
- Quick & Easy Gouda Mac and Cheese
- Easy Boursin Pasta
- Vegetarian Lasagna (with vegan option)
- Baked Cream Cheese Pasta
- Baked Ziti Recipe (Vegetarian)
- Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Bake
- 5 Ingredient Vegan Stuffed Shells
- Baked Tomato Feta Pasta
- Vegan Pasta Bake
- Skillet Lasagna
- Baked Feta Pasta with Butternut Squash
- Helpful Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Conclusion
Imagine a warm, bubbling pasta casserole coming out of the oven, packed with roasted vegetables, swirls of pasta sauce, and topped with mozzarella cheese or vegan mozzarella. The great thing about baked pasta is that you can mix in whatever you have on hand—from sweet potato and red bell pepper to yellow onion and green bell pepper. It’s also a great option for meal prep: you can assemble your dish ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Then, just bake it when you’re ready, and you have a comforting meal in under 15-20 minutes of cook time.
For best results, always cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente—or follow the package directions. If you’re making a vegetarian pasta bake, you can keep it classic with cheeses like cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. If you prefer a vegan pasta bake, opt for vegan mozzarella, vegan sausage, or your favorite brand of dairy-free cheese for the cheese mixture. Add in red pepper flakes, olive oil, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor, and finish everything off with a sprinkling of fresh basil or parsley. You can also serve your baked pasta with a simple side salad for a balanced plate. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into these great recipe finds from across the web.
Below is a collection of fantastic veggie lover and vegan pasta bake ideas, featuring different sauces—like homemade marinara sauce, creamy sauce, or even tomato puree—and various ways to add protein (like beans, tofu, or extra veggies). Try them with penne pasta, ziti noodles, or gluten-free pasta if that suits your lifestyle. Whichever you choose, you’ll have a comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Baked pasta with Brussels sprouts and broccoli
If you love extra veggies, this recipe uses brussels sprouts to add texture and nutrients to your baked ziti recipe (or any short pasta). A great option for a weeknight meal.
Cheesy Butternut Squash Pasta Bake
This cheesy Butternut Squash Pasta Bake with mushrooms and kale is the ultimate comfort food. It features a creamy garlic sage sauce, crispy walnut breadcrumbs, and roasted butternut squash. A delicious vegetarian main dish to serve a crowd. Make-ahead friendly too!
Oven Baked Whole Wheat Pesto Pasta
Oven-baked whole wheat pesto pasta is the ultimate quick and wholesome oven baked pasta dinner idea. With a simple pesto sauce, hearty whole grains, and juicy tomatoes, it delivers a delicious taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
6 Cheese Mac and Cheese
This 6 cheese mac and cheese is what dreams are made of! A blend of 6 cheeses is layered with pasta coated in the creamiest sauce. A crisp, buttery breadcrumb topping adds the perfect hint of texture. You'll never want to make boxed mac and cheese again!
Mushroom Cannelloni (Manicotti) Recipe
This Italian cannelloni recipe is sure to be a hit for mushroom lovers! The filling combines savory mushrooms with creamy potatoes baked in a rich white sauce. It is one of the most divine cannelloni recipes I have ever tried!
Asparagus Lasagna (lasagne agli asparagi)
This traditional Italian asparagus lasagna is a light and flavourful asparagus pasta recipe from where I live in Veneto, Italy. Also known locally as ‘pasticcio di asparagi’ or ‘lasagne agli asparagi’, this is an easy spring lasagna recipe with just a few main ingredients. Perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day and Easter, as well as Sunday lunch!
Vegetarian Lasagne with Sweet Potato and Kale
This vegetarian lasagne with sweet potato and kale is a delicious combination of flavours. It can be prepared in advance and baked later, and it's also perfect for cooking in the oven using the automatic timer. Sweet potato and kale provide a robust flavour, and haricot beans add extra protein.
Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake (Gluten Free)
This gluten free Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake is packed with veggies! It's made with broccoli, spinach, ricotta cheese, and tomato sauce.
Goats Cheese Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are one of the best pasta dishes around – giant pasta shells packed with filling and swimming in tomato sauce. And these goats cheese stuffed shells are the best I’ve tried.
Spooky Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Try this Baked Pumpkin Mac and Cheese for a cozy, fall-inspired twist on a classic dish! Creamy cheese and pumpkin blend perfectly, making it a hit with the whole family.
Alfredo Rotini Pasta Bake
Creamy and cheesy, our Alfredo Rotini Pasta Bake is an easy and delicious casserole. Starting with prepared Alfredo sauce makes prep a cinch—just 15 minutes to prep, and you can relax while it bakes.
Easy Lasagna Recipe
If you love sharing pasta on those cool, crisp evenings, Easy Lasagna a la Sockarooni can help you impress guests as a quick, easy recipe elevated by creamy and buttery bechamel sauce.
This easy lasagna recipe just takes 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook!
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food that combines the savory creaminess of mac and cheese with the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin.
Pecan Mac and Cheese Bake
With cheddar and ricotta cheeses, sour cream and cavatappi noodles, this Pecan Mac and Cheese Bake is an extra creamy, creative twist on the kid-friendly classic.
This recipe combines the classic comfort of a creamy, gooey mac and cheese with the nuttiness of toasted pecans for a unique and delicious take on the classic.
Baked Goat Cheese Oyster Mushroom Pasta
Baked Goat Cheese Oyster Mushroom Pasta - a delicious vegetarian pasta recipe. Goat makes this pasta so creamy. Since this is baked on one baking dish it is super easy to make.
Make-Ahead Manicotti
With a little advance prep this Make-Ahead Manicotti will be ready to pop in the oven when you’re ready for dinner. This no-boil, make-ahead method is a real lifesaver on busy days!
Goat Cheese Mac And Cheese
This creamy goat cheese mac and cheese is a delicious variation of the classic comfort food. Macaroni coated in a thick, melted goat cheese sauce with herbs. Topped with a crispy bread crumb and parmesan cheese layer.
Vegan Cacio e Pepe
This nut-free, vegan version of cacio e pepe isn’t exactly like the dairy version, but it’s a lot closer than all of the other vegan cacio e pepe recipes that I’ve seen out there.
Vegan Tuna Casserole
My mom made me tuna casserole when I was growing up, and it was one of my favorite meals. This is my healthy(ish) vegan version of that casserole. It’s still one of my favorite meals, and now it’s healthier and cruelty free. I think this recipe would be mom-approved.
White Lasagna With Mushrooms, Spinach And Artichokes
A delicious alternative to traditional lasagna, this White Lasagna recipe is cheesy, rich and packed with veggies. Make it a day ahead for your next party!
Kale + Sweet Potato Veggie Lasagna Gluten-Free
Try this delicious Kale + Sweet Potato Veggie Lasagna recipe tonight! Swapping out sweet potato puree for the ricotta typically used in lasagna is an easy, delicious, and even healthy upgrade. Kale packs a vitamin punch to help balance out the cheese that is left.
Baked Five Cheese Ziti al Forno Recipe
A comfort food classic: Five cheese ziti al forno baked crispy in a casserole baking dish.
This is a family favorite and it's vegetarian.
Baked Cannelloni with Spinach Recipe
Baked creamy, cheesy Cannelloni with spinach.
A perfect splendid family dinner meal!
Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Vegetable Lasagna with Bechamel
This cozy Vegetable Lasagna with Bechamel is packed with mushrooms, spinach, a creamy white sauce and lots of delicious fontina and pecorino cheeses. It’s delicious, comforting, hearty and a real crowd pleaser–everything you could hope for in a lasagna!
Meatless Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella
Meatless Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella is a super-easy version of the classic Italian American comfort food recipe. Three types of cheeses (creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella and sharp Pecorino Romano) are simply mixed together with cooked pasta, spinach and your favorite tomato sauce and baked until it has the perfect crispy ends. Cheesy and delicious–it’s always a hit!
Easy Vegan Pasta Bake with Meat-free Sausage
Comforting and delicious vegan pasta bake with cheesy white sauce and vegan sausage for the busy weekdays. You'll love this recipe! It's rich, creamy and easy to make!
Greek Pasta Bake with Feta
Savor the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with our Greek Pasta Bake featuring crumbled feta cheese. This hearty dish combines al dente pasta with a delicious blend of tomatoes, olives, garlic, and eggplant, all baked to perfection.
Quick & Easy Gouda Mac and Cheese
This super easy gouda mac and cheese recipe is super creamy, rich, and packed with flavors. It's super delicious, quick, and easy to make in just under 30 minutes!
Easy Boursin Pasta
With my Easy Boursin Pasta recipe, you can have a rich, creamy pasta meal ready in 30 minutes (with only 5 minutes of active preparation!). This TikTok-inspired cheese and tomato spaghetti, made with less than ten ingredients, is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Vegetarian Lasagna (with vegan option)
The best vegetarian lasagna with béchamel sauce – an absolute dream for all lasagna fans! With an option for vegan lasagna.
Baked Cream Cheese Pasta
This baked cream cheese pasta recipe is going to become a favorite weeknight recipe for you – it’s easy to make, creamy, flavorful, and sure to satisfy! Especially if you like the flavors of cream cheese and cherry tomatoes!
Baked Ziti Recipe (Vegetarian)
Made with mushrooms, zucchini, bell pepper, cottage cheese, and delicious ziti pasta, this healthy and comforting meal is full of nutrition and cheesy goodness. Every bite is SO good!
Cauliflower Cheese Pasta Bake
Cauliflower cheese and pasta bake with “rarebit vibes”, a Cheddar, Gruyere & Stilton cheese sauce is joined by mustard & Henderson’s relish.
This recipe is proper comfort food that combines British influences with Mac and Cheese and it can be cooked and prepared in around 60 minutes.
5 Ingredient Vegan Stuffed Shells
These 5-ingredient spinach and ricotta stuffed shells is a quick and simple vegan pasta dinner that is perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. These easy stuffed shells provide a comforting, wholesome, flavorful treat and make the perfect 30 minute meal the whole family will enjoy.
Baked Tomato Feta Pasta
Baked Tomato Feta Pasta is a delicious one pan pasta dish with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese, baked and combined with pasta and fresh basil. This was a viral TikTok feta pasta recipe that I have put my own spin on.
Skillet Lasagna
This delicious vegetarian skillet lasagna recipe is a delicious one-pan meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a quicker, simpler alternative to traditional lasagna because you don’t have to layer it all up, but contains the same comforting flavors.
Helpful Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Prep Ahead: Assemble your vegetarian baked ziti or vegan pasta bake the next day you plan to serve it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Cheese Choices: Mix up your cheese mixture with ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and parmesan cheese. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese or vegan mozzarella.
- Extra Flavor: Sauté a red onion and a yellow onion in olive oil over medium-high heat, then add garlic, red bell pepper, or yellow peppers for a punch of color. Toss in a little bit of garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Serving Size & Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in a large skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through.
- Side Dishes: Serve your cheesy baked pasta with a simple side salad or some garlic bread.
Conclusion
With so many great recipes to choose from, your next time in the kitchen can be as adventurous or as comforting as you like. From classics like a baked ziti recipe to creative twists like pumpkin mac and cheese or vegan sausage lasagna, these favorite pasta recipes offer a great way to enjoy a comforting meal for the whole family. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil, drizzle with a little olive oil, or sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor. And always save a spot for a bowl of al dente noodles—because when it comes to pasta dishes, there’s no such thing as too many!
Feel free to bookmark this page or print out a recipe card for easy reference. With these vegetarian baked pasta and vegan options, you’ll never run out of ideas for a great dish that will please everyone at the table. Happy cooking—and buon appetito!
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