Creamy Dairy-Free Pasta Bake

If you’re craving something warm and comforting but still want to keep things light and dairy-free, this creamy pasta bake is about to become your new favorite weeknight staple. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients and a dreamy cashew-based sauce that gives all the cozy vibes without any cream or cheese.

This dinner is perfect for busy weeknights because it requires minimal effort and is an easy clean up meal.

What you need:

For the Pasta:

1 (12 oz) box of gluten free, brown rice or regular pasta of your choice (shells, penne, rotini, Mafalda or fusilli all work great!)
1 24 oz jar of your favorite marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
1 cup water
A few pinches of salt

For the Cashew Sauce:

½ cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes if not using a high-speed blender)
¾ cup water (add more as needed for a creamy texture)
A few pinches of salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup nutritional yeast
Juice from 1 lemon
1 egg (you can skip this if you want this to be fully plant based and it still comes out great!)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In an oven-safe baking dish, add the pasta, marinara sauce, water, and salt. Mix everything together so the pasta is fully coated. In a blender, combine cashews, water, salt, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and egg. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash more water if needed to help it blend. Pour the cashew sauce evenly over the pasta mixture. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the top is slightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, making it even creamier.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

It’s dairy-free yet ultra creamy

It’s rich in protein and other nutrients

It requires minimal prep, only one dish and easy cleanup

It’s perfect for meal prep or family dinners

Make It Your Own

    •    Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini for extra nutrition.

    •    Mix in cooked chicken or lentils for a protein-packed version.

    •    Top with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.

Love this one pot dish? Then you will love my One Pot Southwest Veggie And Grain Dish here.