Vegan Pasta with Pesto Sauce

Elevate your plant-based meals with this vibrant and creamy Vegan Pasta with Pesto Sauce! This recipe combines tender al dente pasta with a luscious homemade pesto made from fresh basil, pine nuts, zesty lemon juice, and a hint of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory depth—all without any dairy. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Garnish with juicy cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan for a burst of color and flavor. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or simply looking for a fresh and healthy dinner idea, this recipe is a delicious and guilt-free delight that will satisfy your pasta cravings. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Dried Pasta (your choice, e.g., spaghetti, penne)
• 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
• 1/2 cup Pine Nuts
• 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 3 large Garlic Cloves
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
• 1/2 cup Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
• 1/4 cup Vegan Parmesan (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and peeled garlic cloves.

Step 3

Blend the ingredients until coarsely chopped.

Step 4

Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, and process again until well combined.

Step 5

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and water while the food processor is running, until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 7

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 8

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the pesto sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.

Step 9

Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Top with halved cherry tomatoes and vegan parmesan if using.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy your vegan pasta with pesto sauce!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(996.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3292.3

Total Fat 182.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.6g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3003.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 340.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.2g	0%
Total Sugars 19.9g
Protein 80.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 328.4mg	0%
Iron 13.7mg	0%
Potassium 2242.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.4%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 40.9%