Name: Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake with Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan American
Ingredients: 1 cup raw slivered almonds; 2 tablespoons white miso paste; 2 garlic cloves; ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 cup Almond Breeze almondmilk Original Unsweetened; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 10 ounces shell pasta; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 3 cups Brussels sprouts, sliced in half; 2 tablespoons white wine, or water; 2 scallions, sliced; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon panko bread crumbs; 1 tablespoon hemp seeds; ⅛ teaspoon sea salt; Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling; ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs (chives, tarragon, or parsley); Optional: mozzarella cheese for topping if not vegan

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 52 reviews

If you have been searching for a comfort meal that is not only delicious but also wholesome and plant-based, this Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake with Brussels Sprouts Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender pasta shells enveloped in a luscious, silky white miso sauce that brings a subtle umami depth, studded with perfectly caramelized Brussels sprouts that add both a satisfying crunch and vibrant color. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out while filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight or feeding friends at a casual dinner, this recipe delivers something truly special every time.

A close-up image shows a woman's hand stirring a pan of halved Brussels sprouts with a light brown wooden spoon. The Brussels sprouts are bright green with fresh, slightly glossy leaves, filling the shiny metal pan about halfway. The pan is placed on a black stove with visible blue gas flames underneath. The background includes a white marbled countertop with some kitchen items blurred out, including a light blue tray holding a small bottle of olive oil and white containers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You'll Need

What’s great about this recipe is how simple and thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are—each one playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and visual appeal. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to make this creamy vegan pasta bake shine.

Raw slivered almonds (1 cup): These form the base of the creamy white miso sauce, adding both nuttiness and a smooth texture when blended.
White miso paste (2 tablespoons): A subtle but essential umami booster that transforms the sauce into something savory and rich.
Garlic cloves (2): Adds fragrant depth and that warm garlic kick.
Dijon mustard (½ teaspoon): A hint of sharpness to balance the creaminess.
Almondmilk, unsweetened (1 cup): Keeps the sauce dairy-free while providing a smooth, mild liquid base.
Fresh lemon juice (¼ cup): Brightens everything up and cuts through the richness.
Extra-virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons + more for cooking and drizzling): Brings fruity, smooth richness and helps with sautéing.
Sea salt (½ teaspoon + to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Shell pasta (10 ounces): Perfect for catching the creamy sauce inside and around their curves.
Brussels sprouts (3 cups, halved): The star vegetable—caramelized to perfection for texture and flavor.
White wine or water (2 tablespoons): Used to deglaze the pan, picking up those flavorful browned bits.
Scallions (2, sliced): Added freshness and a delicate oniony crunch.
Panko bread crumbs (1 tablespoon): Creates a crunchy topping for contrast.
Hemp seeds (1 tablespoon): Adds a mild, nutty crunch and a boost of nutrition.
Fresh herbs (¼ cup, chopped): Chives, tarragon, or parsley brighten the finished dish with fresh herbal notes.

How to Make Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake with Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly oiling a baking dish approximately 7x9 inches in size. This ensures your pasta bake won't stick and will brown beautifully on the edges during baking.

Step 2: Blend the White Miso Sauce

In a high-speed blender, combine the raw slivered almonds, white miso paste, garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, unsweetened almond milk, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and sea salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, creating the creamy, dreamy sauce that will coat each shell of pasta perfectly. This sauce magically mimics the creaminess found in dairy but with a fresh, plant-powered twist.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your shell pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, meaning the pasta is tender but still has a firm bite that holds up well in the bake. Drain the pasta and toss lightly in olive oil to prevent sticking. This small step makes a world of difference to texture.

Step 4: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

Heat one tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and cook them with a little stirring until they become golden brown and tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. This caramelization adds a lovely sweet-savory note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Deglaze and Combine

Pour in white wine or water to deglaze the pan, scraping up the tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom—it’s flavor gold! Add the cooked pasta, sliced scallions, and the blended miso sauce to the pan. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so that every piece of pasta is luxuriously coated in sauce and every bite has those tender Brussels sprouts and fresh scallion pops.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with panko bread crumbs, hemp seeds, and a pinch of sea salt. If you prefer a cheesy twist and are not strictly vegan, feel free to add a handful of shredded mozzarella on top. Finally, drizzle a bit of extra-virgin olive oil over the surface. Bake covered for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld and the topping crisp up slightly, while keeping the inside rich and moist.

Step 7: Garnish and Finish

Once you pull this gem from the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs right before serving. The herbal brightness cuts through the creamy richness and adds that final layer of freshness that makes this dish sing.

How to Serve Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake with Brussels Sprouts Recipe

A silver pot sits on a white marbled surface with a dark blue cloth beside it. Inside the pot, there are small shell-shaped pasta pieces, bright green chopped scallions, and halved roasted Brussels sprouts with a slightly charred texture. A creamy white sauce is being poured from a small metal measuring cup into the center of the pot, covering part of the pasta and vegetables. A woman's hand holds the measuring cup from the right side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or chives adds a pop of color and an aromatic lift to the dish. A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil before serving also provides an inviting sheen and richness. For those who enjoy a little extra indulgence, a handful of nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan gives a cheesy savory note without compromising your vegan meal.

Side Dishes

This bake is wonderfully hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad to balance the warm creaminess. Roasted root vegetables or a light vegetable broth soup can also complement the meal, rounding out your dinner with variety and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing this to a potluck or making it for guests, consider serving the creamy vegan pasta bake right from a rustic ceramic casserole dish to showcase its homey goodness. You can also portion it out into individual ramekins for an elegant personal touch. Adding a few edible flowers on top alongside the fresh herbs can transform it into a visually stunning centerpiece-worthy dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer the pasta bake into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as satisfying.

Freezing

This creamy vegan pasta bake freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen with a bit more time and low heat to maintain texture.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, individual servings can be reheated in the microwave with a splash of almond milk to bring back the creaminess without drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While shell pasta is perfect for catching the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli would work wonderfully for this bake. Just be sure to cook to al dente and adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Is it possible to make this dish nut-free?

You can swap the raw almonds for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep the creamy texture while avoiding nuts. The flavor will change a bit, but the sauce remains deliciously rich and smooth.

Can I prepare the components in advance to save time?

Yes! You can make the miso sauce and cook the Brussels sprouts a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. When ready to bake, just combine everything and proceed with assembling and baking. This makes weeknight dinners even easier.

What can I add to make this pasta bake more filling?

For extra protein, toss in cooked chickpeas, white beans, or vegan sausage crumbles. These additions boost nutrition and add heartiness without changing the character of the dish.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is mild and relies mostly on savory, creamy, and bright flavors. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the Brussels sprouts if you like a little gentle heat to contrast the creaminess.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with the Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake with Brussels Sprouts Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, satisfying cravings and nourishing your body in one delicious bite. I encourage you to try it soon — it might just become your go-to weeknight favorite and impress everyone lucky enough to share it with you!

Creamy Vegan Pasta Bake with Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need