Comforting French Onion Soup Protein Pasta Bake

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vegan french onion pasta bake: your comfort food fix

if you love the rich, savory flavors of french onion soup but crave something heartier, this vegan french onion pasta bake is here to satisfy!!

it’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with caramelized onions, bringing all the classic flavors of the beloved soup into a warm, baked pasta dish.

with a luscious sauce, tender pasta, and perfectly melted vegan mozzarella, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.

let’s dive into everything that makes it irresistible.

the taste and texture

this pasta bake is bursting with savory, umami flavors.

the roasted onions are deeply caramelized, giving the dish a rich sweetness, while the garlic adds a warm depth.

the creamy sauce is made with coconut milk, perfectly coating the pasta for a luxurious texture.

the topping of melted vegan mozzarella makes every bite gooey and satisfying, with just the right amount of cheesiness.

the contrast of soft pasta and velvety sauce with the slightly crisp edges from baking takes this dish to the next level.

inspired by french onion soup

this recipe is a love letter to french onion soup, but instead of bread soaking up the broth, we have pasta carrying all the goodness.

the roasted onions mimic the slow-cooked depth of the classic soup, while a hint of liquid aminos or soy sauce and nutritional yeast adds that savory, umami flavor reminiscent of the soup’s rich broth.

it’s everything you love about french onion soup but in a baked pasta form.

why we used protein pasta (and other options)

to give this dish a boost, we chose a protein-packed pasta made from lentils or chickpeas.

it’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrition, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.

classic wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or whole wheat options all work beautifully.

just make sure to cook it until al dente to avoid mushy pasta after baking.

ingredients and substitutions

here are the key ingredients that make this dish shine, along with some potential swaps:

• yellow onions: the star of the dish! you can’t skip these, but white onions will work in a pinch. for extra sweetness, you could even use a mix of yellow and red onions.
• garlic cloves: roasted alongside the onions and smashed into the sauce, these add a deep, nutty flavor.
• coconut milk: this creates the creamy base. if you’re not a fan of coconut, try cashew cream or a thick oat milk instead.
• vegan butter and avocado oil: these help the onions caramelize and add richness. you can use all avocado oil if needed.
• nutritional yeast: adds a cheesy, savory element to the sauce. if you’re out, a pinch of miso paste could be a fun substitute.
• vegan mozzarella: for that classic cheesy topping. we love miyoko’s liquid vegan mozzarella. shredded vegan cheddar or a mix of cheeses would also work well.

add-in options

want to customize your pasta bake? here are some ideas:

• protein: toss in cooked lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu for extra protein.
• veggies: add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or kale for more color and nutrients.
• herbs: fresh rosemary would complement the roasted onions beautifully.

how to make it

making this pasta bake is straightforward and rewarding. here’s a quick rundown:

1. boil the pasta until al dente and set it aside.
2. roast the onions and garlic in a baking dish with avocado oil, vegan butter, salt, and pepper. cover with aluminum foil and bake at 400°f for 50 minutes, stirring halfway through. remove the foil, stir the onions, and continue roasting. monitor closely, stirring every 10 minutes. they may need as little as 10 minutes or up to an additional 30 minutes, depending on your oven, until they are deeply caramelized.
3. create the sauce directly in the baking dish by adding coconut milk, nutritional yeast, broth, aminos and seasonings. stir well.
4. combine with the pasta, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
5. top with vegan mozzarella and bake at 400°f for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

storage tips

if you have leftovers (though we doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

to reheat, pop a portion in the oven at 350°f until warmed through, or use a microwave for convenience.

this dish also freezes well for up to a month—just thaw and bake to refresh it.

why you’ll love it

this vegan french onion pasta bake is the ultimate fusion of comfort food and indulgent flavors, all while being plant-based.

it’s perfect for a cozy dinner, meal prep, or even a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings.

with so many ways to make it your own, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen!!

if you like Comforting French Onion Soup Protein Pasta Bake you’ll also love these other recipes of mine!

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