Gluten Free Baked Penne (Dairy Free)

3 from 1 vote

Gluten free pasta bake (similar to baked ziti) is the perfect medley of cheesy goodness (dairy free), hearty pasta, and fabulous italian flavors. This easy gluten free dinner will become a staple in your house. This gluten free baked penne is a crowd pleaser and kid approved!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword gluten free baked pasta, gluten free baked penne, gluten free pasta bake

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 25

Total Time 1

Servings

Calories 480kcal

Ingredients

16 oz. Mountain High Organics Penne Pasta
1 tbsp sea salt
24 oz. jar of marinara
1 lb. ground italian sausage
1 egg
2 cups shredded parmesan i used vegan
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella I used vegan
1 cup cashew cream or ricotta
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp granulated garlic
½ tsp dried parsley
¼ tsp pepper
¼ tsp dried basil
¼ tsp oregano

Instructions

Start by cooking the noodles. In a large pot add 2 quarts of water and 1 tbsp of sea salt. Bring the water to a boil and then add the pasta. Stir well and bring to a boil. The cook time of the noodles is 10-15 minutes, mine took 12 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
While the pasta is cooking, begin to brown your ground sausage. Set aside once cooked through.
In a medium sized bowl combine the ricotta or cashew cream, ½ cup of mozzarella, ½ cup of parmesan, egg plus the salt, granulated garlic, parsley, pepper, basil and oregano. Stir well to combine. Set aside.
When the noodles are al dente, drain and rinse with cold water. In a large pot (you can use the one you cooked the meat or pasta in) combine the sausage, penne, creamy cheese mixture and marinara sauce.
Gently stir to combine and coat the pasta.
Pour ½ of the pasta into a lightly grease large baking casserole, sprinkle with half of your remaining cheese. Add the rest of the pasta and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of that.
Bake uncovered on the middle rack for 25 minutes. If you are using vegan cheese and your cheese is not browned at this point, then turn the oven on high broil and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top has a nice golden crust. Keep an eye on it, broiling can be tricky!
Serve with freshly chopped basil if desired and enjoy!

Notes

You can assemble this ahead of time and pop it in the oven when your ready. It's great to make the night before. Simply follow all of the steps without baking, let it cool down to room temperature it and store it covered in the fridge.

You can also freeze this by doing the same thing. Cook and assemble according to directions, then allow it to cool to room temp, cover and freeze. I like buying the aluminum baking pans from the dollar store with the lids and using those for freezing them.

Nutrition