
Creamy Spaghetti Nests with Vegan Sausages and Melted Cheese is one of those playful dishes that brings comfort food and fun presentation together on the table. Each twirled nest combines creamy sauce with gooey vegan cheese and hearty slices of sausage making it a hit for adults and kids alike. This recipe is a breeze to pull together but always looks impressive and feels special.
I first made this for a casual family movie night and everyone insisted it go on regular rotation. The sauce is velvety and rich and each baked nest is perfectly portioned.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: Choose a classic wheat spaghetti for the right twirl factor. Cook just to al dente for best results.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to coat pasta so that it does not stick.
- Plant based cream: Soy or oat cream delivers velvety texture. Choose one without added sugar for a true savory flavor.
- Shredded vegan cheese: Mozzarella style melts beautifully for stretch while cheddar style gives a little tang. Try to select one that melts well and is not rubbery.
- Vegan sausages: Go for a mild, hot dog style sausage. Look for one with a smooth texture for the most appealing bite.
- Nutritional yeast: Optional but it gives a wonderful savory depth. Make sure it is fresh and stored in a sealed container for best flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds gentle aroma and seasoning. Use a fresh jar to avoid stale flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Let you balance all the flavors to your taste.
- Turmeric: Optional. Adds a golden color the sauce. Go easy to avoid overpowering aroma.
- Fresh parsley or chives: Lifts the whole dish with color and freshness. Pick bright green herbs without wilting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- Boil spaghetti in generously salted water until just al dente to keep the shape of the nests. Drain then toss with olive oil so they do not stick and cool them so they are easy to handle.
- Form the Nests:
- Use a large fork and spoon to twirl small portions of spaghetti into mound shapes. Arrange each nest in your chosen baking dish making sure they hold their form and leave a little space between for the sauce to settle.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a saucepan set over low heat mix plant based cream garlic powder nutritional yeast turmeric salt and pepper. Add most of the grated vegan cheese and stir it slowly until melted into a creamy smooth sauce with no lumps.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spoon the hot creamy sauce carefully over and around the spaghetti nests. Tuck sausage slices into the middle or side of each nest. Sprinkle the rest of the vegan cheese over the top so every bite is extra melty.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to one hundred eighty Celsius. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake about twenty minutes until the sauce is bubbling at the edges and cheese is fully melted but not browned. This gentle baking keeps everything moist and tender.

My favorite ingredient here is the plant based cream as it gives the most luscious texture with very little effort. Watching my niece’s face light up the first time she pulled her own nest from the dish is a memory I always associate with this recipe.
Storage Tips
Leftover spaghetti nests store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven with a splash of plant based milk or cream to revive their creamy texture. If freezing wrap each nest tightly for up to one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape if spaghetti is not on hand but long strands twirl best. Any plant cream works but soy tends to be the richest. For sausage you can use any mild vegan sausages or even chopped vegan hot dogs which make the dish a little nostalgic. If you are not a fan of nutritional yeast simply leave it out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a crisp green salad or sliced cucumber for freshness. Add a side of roasted broccoli or carrots for some color. These nests are perfectly sized for adding to lunchboxes or packing for work lunches with a little extra sauce on the side.
Cultural and Historical Context
Spaghetti nests take inspiration from Italian baked pasta traditions but this vegan creamy version feels lighter and more playful. Nests are often made for kids’ parties but in my home everyone always ends up reaching for seconds. The combination of creamy sauce and baked cheese is a classic comfort food in many cultures.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of pasta for the nests?
Yes, any long pasta such as linguine or fettuccine works to form nests, though spaghetti holds shape best.
- → What plant-based cream is best for the sauce?
Soy and oat cream both yield a rich texture, but you can use coconut or cashew cream depending on taste preference.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the nests?
Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed onions, or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce before baking.
- → Is there a gluten-free option for this dish?
You can substitute gluten-free spaghetti and ensure your vegan sausages are gluten-free for a suitable version.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of non-dairy milk to retain creaminess.
- → What garnishes complement these spaghetti nests?
Fresh parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast add color and flavor before serving.