Vegan Classic Basil Pesto Pasta
Transform your pasta night with this flavorful Vegan Classic Basil Pesto Pasta—a fresh, plant-based twist on the Italian classic! This recipe combines tender al dente spaghetti with a creamy, dairy-free pesto sauce made from vibrant fresh basil, buttery pine nuts, and savory nutritional yeast for that perfect cheesy flavor. The addition of zesty lemon juice and aromatic garlic elevates the dish, while juicy bursts of cherry tomatoes add a delightful pop of color and sweetness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy dish is ideal for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing main course. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast or a drizzle of olive oil for a vegan pasta experience that’s as indulgent as it is wholesome. Perfect for fans of quick pasta recipes, vegan Italian cuisine, and summery basil-forward flavors!
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Ingredients
- 400 grams Spaghetti or any pasta of choice
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Pine nuts
- 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 100 grams Cherry tomatoes
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
Step 3
With the food processor running, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
Step 4
Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the pesto. Pulse a few more times to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 5
Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
Step 6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared pesto, and halved cherry tomatoes. Toss well to coat the pasta with the pesto evenly.
Step 7
If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 8
Serve immediately, with additional nutritional yeast sprinkled on top if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (769.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2118.7 |
| Total Fat 162.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 19.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 23.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1196.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 145.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 8.1g | |
| Protein 37.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 127.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1111.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories