Description
A vibrant and flavorful Vegan Pesto Pasta recipe featuring spiral pasta tossed in a fresh homemade basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and vegan parmesan. This dish is an easy, plant-based meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, combining fresh herbs, nuts, and zesty lemon for a delightful and nutritious pasta option.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 200 g pasta (spirals recommended)
- 50 g cherry tomatoes
Pesto
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves (a handful)
- 2 tbsp pine nuts (divided)
- 1 piece garlic clove
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra 2 tbsp for thinning and blending)
- 2 tbsp quick vegan parmesan
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and return the pasta to the pot to keep warm.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, 1 tbsp of pine nuts, the garlic clove, and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Pulse until the basil is finely chopped. Add 2 tbsp of vegan parmesan and an additional 1 tbsp olive oil, blending for about one minute until smooth. Pour in 2 tbsp lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and blend again. If the pesto is too thick, thin it by adding another tablespoon of olive oil.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto and Tomatoes: Add the freshly made pesto and halved cherry tomatoes to the cooked pasta. Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto and combined with the tomatoes.
- Toast the Remaining Pine Nuts: In a small dry pan over medium heat, roast the remaining 1 tbsp of pine nuts without oil until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Serve: Plate the pesto pasta garnished with extra vegan parmesan and the toasted pine nuts on top. Enjoy immediately for the freshest flavor experience.
Notes
- To make quick vegan parmesan, see the linked recipe referenced in the ingredients.
- If the pesto is too thick, add olive oil gradually to reach the desired consistency.
- Use spiral pasta as recommended for better sauce adherence.
- To enhance flavor, toast pine nuts carefully to avoid burning and bitterness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 422 kcal
- Sugar: 1.1 g
- Sodium: 29 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
