A hearty and delicious pasta bake packed full of plant protein, perfect for refueling after strength training. This dish features pasta, vegan sausages, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with fresh herbs.
1: Cook pasta according to packet instructions. Drain well then place into a baking dish.
2: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium high and fry onion, garlic and vegan sausage until lightly browned.
3: Add tomato paste, tomato passata, balsamic vinegar, sugar, oregano, basil, thyme. Rinse the passata jar out with 1/2 cup water and pour into the saucepan. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
4: Preheat oven to 180°C. Combine all cheese sauce ingredients into a saucepan and heat over medium high. Stir constantly to prevent mixture from clumping together. Once thickened, season with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
5: Pour tomato sauce over pre-cooked pasta followed by cheese sauce. Sprinkle with extra vegan cheese on top if desired, then bake in the oven for 20 minutes until golden.
6: Top with fresh parsley and thyme and enjoy while hot.
