Vegan Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Vegan Pesto Pasta, a quick and wholesome dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Made with fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and a dash of nutritional yeast for that cheesy undertone, this dairy-free recipe delivers all the richness of traditional pesto without compromising on taste. A hint of garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice bring bright, zesty notes to the sauce, while a silky drizzle of olive oil ties it all together. Ready in just 25 minutes, this plant-based pasta is tossed in a creamy, homemade pesto that clings to every strand, making it perfect as a satisfying main course or a flavorful side. Customize it with gluten-free pasta if needed, and garnish with extra pine nuts and basil for an elegant finishing touch. Rich, fresh, and incredibly easy, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite for vegan and non-vegan eaters alike.
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Ingredients
- 400 grams Pasta (gluten-free if preferred)
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.33 cup Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 3 tablespoons Water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and water.
Step 4
Blend the mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust the consistency with additional water if necessary, and taste, adjusting seasonings as desired.
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the prepared pesto sauce and toss until well coated.
Step 6
Serve the pesto pasta immediately as a main course or side dish. Optionally, garnish with extra pine nuts and fresh basil.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (623.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1607.2 |
| Total Fat 100.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 13.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 18.5g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1203.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 138.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 6.0g | |
| Protein 38.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 101.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 6.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 852.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories