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–+ servings

Vegan Pesto Pasta

A quick and easy vegan pasta dish coated in a creamy, aromatic pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, and nuts, perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or dinner party.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Vegan
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients

  • 8 oz Pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, penne) Whole wheat, gluten-free, or legume-based options are excellent.
  • 2 cups Fresh basil leaves Substitutable with spinach or arugula.
  • 2 cloves Garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup Pine nuts (or walnuts) Other nuts like pecans or sunflower seeds can be used.
  • 2 tbsp Nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil Adjust for desired consistency.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Season to your liking.

Instructions
 

Cooking the Pasta

  • Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Pro Tip: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s great for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later!

Making the Pesto

  • In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt. Pulse to combine into a coarse mixture.
  • Pro Tip: Scrape down the sides of the processor halfway through to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
  • With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
  • Pro Tip: For a lighter pesto, hold back some of the oil and drizzle a bit more in later if needed.

Combining Pasta and Pesto

  • Toss the cooked pasta with the vegan pesto in a large bowl, ensuring it is well-coated.
  • Pro Tip: Mixing it in the bowl helps prevent sticking and allows for a more thorough coating.

Final Seasoning and Serving

  • Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust as necessary.
  • Pro Tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and enhances the flavors!
  • Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!

Notes

Vegan Pesto Pasta makes for a quick dinner option or a vibrant dish for dinner parties. Excellent served hot or cold, with numerous customization options.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
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