When it comes to comfort food, vegan pasta bakes are a go-to choice for many. The combination of tender pasta, rich sauce, and melty vegan cheese creates a satisfying and hearty meal that feels like a great big hug. But what if you could enjoy a vegan version of this classic dish? Look no further than this delicious vegan chickpea tuna pasta bake recipe. This wholesome and flavourful vegan recipe will satisfy your cravings while providing a compassionate and plant-based twist. Get ready to experience the perfect harmony of textures and flavours in every bite with this simple vegan tuna pasta bake recipe.

Tuna pasta bakes have long been a favourite among seafood lovers. But for those following a vegan or plant-based lifestyle, recreating that familiar taste and texture might seem challenging. That's where chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, come to the rescue. With their mild flavour and versatile nature, chickpeas can be transformed into a tuna substitute that closely resembles the original in many ways, making this the ideal ingredient for this vegan chickpea tuno pasta bake recipe.

What are the benefits of chickpeas

Chickpeas are a nutrient-dense legume that offers a host of health benefits. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fibre, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. By incorporating chickpeas into your diet, you not only enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal but also fuel your body with valuable nutrients.

In this vegan chickpea tuno pasta bake recipe, we'll learn to create a delicious and cruelty-free alternative to the classic tuna pasta bake. By using a combination of mashed chickpeas, tangy lemon juice, and a blend of vegan mayo and hummus, we'll create a tuna-like texture and flavour that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Chickpea Tuna Alternatives

To make this vegan chickpea tuna pasta bake dish even more wholesome and nutritious, you can incorporate whole-grain pasta. Whole-grain pasta retains the bran and germ of the wheat, providing additional dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It's a healthier alternative that adds depth and heartiness to the pasta bake, but isn’t necessary if you prefer to use wheat pasta.

For the sauce, we'll create a creamy and flavourful base using plant-based ingredients. This luscious sauce coats the pasta and vegan chickpea tuno mixture, bringing the entire dish together.

Once all the components are prepared, we'll assemble the pasta bake and bake it until golden and bubbling. The result will be a comforting and indulgent dish that will satisfy your cravings for a hearty and flavourful meal.

This vegan chickpea tuno pasta bake is not only delicious and nutritious but also versatile. Feel free to add your favourite vegetables, such as spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers, to enhance the nutritional profile and customise the flavours. You can also experiment by using this tasty vegan chickpea tuno mixture in a variety of ways including in a sandwich or in sushi.

Whether you're a seasoned vegan, someone looking to reduce their seafood consumption, or simply seeking a new and exciting pasta dish, this vegan chickpea tuno pasta bake is a fantastic option. It allows you to enjoy the comforting flavours of a classic tuna pasta bake while embracing a more sustainable and compassionate approach to eating.

So, let's gather our ingredients, preheat the oven, and embark on a vegan foodie adventure with this yummy vegan chickpea tuno pasta bake recipe. Get ready to savour the blend of textures, the tangy zest of lemon, and the creamy delight of the sauce. With this wholesome and flavourful dish, you can indulge in the comforting embrace of a pasta bake while staying true to your values and dietary preferences. Let's celebrate the versatility of chickpeas and the endless possibilities of vegan food!

INGREDIENTS

Vegan Chickpea Tuna Pasta Bake:

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed⁠

• 2 tbsp lemon juice⁠

• 4 tbsp hummus⁠

• 3 tbsp water⁠

• ½ cup of red onion, diced⁠

• 1 tbsp chia seeds⁠

• 1/3 cup vegan mayo⁠

• Salt & pepper to taste⁠

• 500g of preferred pasta (I use Penne)⁠

• ½ cup vegan butter, melted⁠

• 2/3 cup of plain flour⁠

• 2/3 cup of soy milk⁠

• 2 garlic cloves, minced⁠

• 1 tbsp vegan mayo⁠

• Dash of lemon juice⁠

• Salt & pepper to taste⁠

• Sprinkle of oregano, parsley and breadcrumbs⁠

METHOD

• Roughly mash chickpeas in a large bowl⁠

• Add in lemon juice, hummus, water, red onion, chia seeds, vegan mayo and salt & pepper to taste. Mix together and place in fridge.⁠

• Meanwhile, prepare 500g of preferred pasta⁠

• In a large mixing bowl add together melted butter and flour. Use a whisk to mix together to remove any lumps⁠

• Continue to whisk whilst slowly adding in soy milk. Add in more soy milk if you want a runnier sauce⁠

• Add in garlic, mayo, lemon juice and salt & pepper. Mix to combine and then add in cooked pasta. Mix together until pasta is covered and then finally mix in prepared vegan chickpea tuno mixture.⁠

• Prepare an oven dish with olive oil and add in mixture. Top with a sprinkle of oregano, parsley and breadcrumbs.⁠

• Place in oven at 200c for about 20 minutes⁠