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Vegan Penne Pasta Casserole
6 servings

[ INGREDIENTS ]

Penne Pasta
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Red Onion
Garlic
Fire Roasted Tomatoes
Water
Italian Seasoning
Salt
Black Pepper
Baby Spinach Leaves
Fresh Basil Leaves

FOR THE CASHEW CREAM

Cashews
Water
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Lemon Juice
Garlic Powder
Salt
Black Pepper
Breadcrumbs

[ INSTRUCTIONS ]

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F or 180 C.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
3. Salt the water and cook :
   
   1 Pound Penne Pasta;
   according to the instructions.
4. For best results, cook until just al dente.
5. In a large skillet heat :
   
   1 Tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil;
   on medium-high heat.
6. Add :
   
   1 Red Onion, Chopped;
   and cook until they begin to caramelize.
7. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes.
8. Add :
   
   2 Garlic Cloves, Minced;
   and cook for 1 minute.
9. Add :
   
   1 Can ( 15 Ounces ) Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Chopped;
   1/2 Cup Water;
   2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning;
   1 Teaspoon Salt;
   Black Pepper, to Taste;
10. Stir well. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

FOR THE CASHEW CREAM

1. Soaked :
   
   1 Cup Cashews;
   in boiling water for at least 1 hour.
2. Put the cashews in a high-powered blender.
3. Add :
   
   3/4 Cup Water;
   1 Teaspoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil;
   1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice;
   1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder;
   1/2 Teaspoon Salt;
   Black Pepper, to Taste;
   and blend ( 2 minutes ) until the liquid is smooth and creamy.
4. There shouldn’t be any pieces of nuts in the mix.

MAKING THE PASTA CASSEROLE

1. In a large bowl or the pasta pot, add the pasta, with :
   
   3 Cups Baby Spinach Leaves;
   1 Cup Fresh Basil Leaves;
2. Add the tomato sauce, and the cashew cream and stir until completely combined.
3. Spread into a large baking pan, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Uncover and evenly spread :
   
   Breadcrumbs, to Taste;
   on top.
5. Bake for 10 minutes or until the breadcrumbs begin to turn brown.

::: View the original recipe for Vegan Penne Pasta Casserole at veganosity.com