Description
This Vegan Pesto Pasta is a fresh and vibrant dish combining al dente spiral pasta with a homemade vegan basil pesto, juicy cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts. It’s a quick, flavorful meal perfect for those seeking a plant-based and dairy-free option without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta
- 200 g pasta (spirals recommended)
Fresh Ingredients
- 50 g cherry tomatoes
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
- 1 piece garlic clove
- 1 piece lemon
Nuts and Oils
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Other
- 2 tbsp quick vegan parmesan
- 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook 200 g of spiral pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot to keep warm.
- Prepare the Vegan Pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine a handful of fresh basil leaves, 1 tbsp pine nuts, one garlic clove, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Pulse until the basil is finely chopped. Add 2 tbsp vegan parmesan and an additional tbsp of olive oil, then blend for another minute to combine. Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, season with salt and pepper to taste, and blend again until smooth. If the pesto is too thick, thin it with an extra tablespoon of olive oil.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Add the freshly prepared pesto to the cooked pasta. Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the pot as well. Stir gently but thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with pesto and tomatoes are distributed.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: In a small pan over medium heat, dry roast the remaining 1 tbsp of pine nuts without any oil until they are golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Serve: Plate the pesto-coated pasta and garnish with the toasted pine nuts and an extra sprinkle of vegan parmesan. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- To make the vegan basil pesto from scratch, refer to the provided recipe link for quick vegan parmesan used here.
- Adjust the consistency of the pesto by adding more olive oil or lemon juice according to preference.
- Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid bitter burnt flavors.
- This recipe yields 2 servings perfect for a light meal or lunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 150g)
- 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
