Vegan Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce
Bright, fresh, and completely plant-based, this Vegan Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce is a weeknight dinner favorite that comes together in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender al dente bowtie pasta coated in a rich, homemade basil pesto crafted with nutritional yeast, pine nuts, and a hint of fresh lemon juice, this dish is a delightful twist on a classic. Juicy cherry tomatoes and nutrient-packed baby spinach add vibrant color and a boost of flavor, while the creamy pesto clings beautifully to every twist of the pasta. Perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike, this hearty yet light dish is easy to prepare and bursting with Italian-inspired freshness. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with crusty bread for a satisfying experience that’s sure to impress.
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 0.25 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.33 cup olive oil
- 0.25 cup water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 10-12 minutes.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the basil pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, black pepper, and water.
Step 3
Pulse the ingredients several times, then slowly add the olive oil while the processor is running until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if desired.
Step 4
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and set aside.
Step 5
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the pot.
Step 6
Add the pesto sauce to the pasta, along with the reserved pasta water to help mix the sauce evenly.
Step 7
Add the cherry tomatoes and baby spinach leaves to the pot, tossing everything together until well combined and the spinach has wilted slightly from the heat of the pasta.
Step 8
Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing with additional pine nuts or nutritional yeast if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (777.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2198.6 |
| Total Fat 103.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 13.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 18.5g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1214.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 276.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 18.2g | |
| Protein 54.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 143.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1072.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories