Creamy Vegan Baked Ziti That Will Make You Forget Meat

Ingredients

• 12 ounces ziti pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in water for at least 4 hours)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the creamy sauce and half of the tomato sauce.
7. Spread half of the remaining tomato sauce in a baking dish. Add the creamy ziti mixture on top, then layer with the rest of the tomato sauce and sprinkle with vegan mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.