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    Oh My Veggies » Vegan Recipes » Vegan Main Dishes

    Vegan Pesto Pasta

    Published: Aug 6, 2020 · by Nicole · Updated: Aug 22, 2023 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This easy Vegan Pesto Pasta makes for a simple and flavorful weeknight meal. It's bursting with fresh flavor from basil, garlic, and pine nuts. And the whole thing is ready in under 20 minutes.

    vegan pesto pasta in a bowl
    Jump to:
    • How to Make Vegan Pesto Pasta
    • Tips and Variations
    • Other Pasta Recipes You Might Like:
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    I don’t think anything is more comforting than a big bowl of pasta. And as a born and raised Italian I've eaten way more than my share in life.

    Pasta is my all-time favorite comfort food. And there are an endless number of delicious ways to prepare a vegan pasta dish.

    It's warm and satisfying, and super filling. So if you want a hearty, family-friendly meal - pasta is always a good bet.

    Pesto has always been one of my favorite sauces. (Right up there with my 5-minute Vegan Alfredo.) But of course, the traditional version is loaded with parmesan cheese. So I've created my own vegan pesto to with this delicious pasta!

    I have to say that this Vegan Pesto Pasta is probably the quickest pasta dish I make. Other than boiling the noodles, it only takes a quick minute to toss the pesto together. There’s minimal time over a stove and it’s a hit every time.

    I’ve even taken it as a pasta salad of sorts when attending get togethers. Definitely a great recipe for those types of occasions as well! 

    This vegan pesto pasta is:

    • 100% plant based
    • Easy to throw together in just a few minutes.
    • Packed with flavor from fresh herbs and garlic.
    • Hearty and delicious
    • Family-friendly, and perfect for Meatless Mondays!

    While you're here, be sure to grab our FREE 5-Day Meatless Meal Plan. It's packed with tasty recipes to make vegetarian cooking easy and delicious!

    How to Make Vegan Pesto Pasta

    collage of images showing how to make vegan pesto pasta
    1. Prepare the pasta - In a large pot, boil the pasta in salt water. When it’s finished, drain it.
    2. Make the pesto - In a blender, combine basil, olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic.
    3. Combine - In a large bowl, toss the pasta and pesto together.
    4. Serve!

    Scroll down for the full detailed instructions and measurements.

    Tips and Variations

    vegan pesto being made in a food processor

    Storage - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze in an airtight container for up to one month.

    Reheating - Let this Vegan Pesto Pasta thaw before heating it in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top. You’ll want to be careful as the pasta can dry out easily when being reheated. 

    Use store bought pesto - It can be tricky to find a store bought pesto that is vegan friendly. But if you're willing to order it online, there are a few good options. I've found this brand to be a great option.

    Eat it chilled - This recipe still tastes great even when it’s cold! As I mentioned, I’ve used it as a pasta salad substitute before. Add some sun dried tomatoes and artichokes for a really flavorful vegan pasta salad!

    Mix up the Pastas - You can use any type of pasta you like in place of the rigatoni. Great options are bow tie, macaroni, corkscrew, linguine, etc. You also don’t have to use whole wheat. You can use veggie pastas or regular pasta, as long as it’s vegan-friendly. 

    Switch up the Sauce - Try this recipe with this delicious sun dried tomato pesto in place of the traditional basil pesto. Or mix things up with this coriander and cashew pesto.

    Make this gluten-free - Simply use a gluten-free pasta like this one. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten free.

    vegan pesto pasta being served on a table

    Other Pasta Recipes You Might Like:

    If you love this vegan pesto pasta, be sure to check out these other delicious vegan pasta recipes:

    • Vegan One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta
    • Vegan Mac and Cheese
    • Easy Vegan Lasagna
    • Spaghetti with Mushroom Bolognese
    vegan pesto pasta

    While you're here, be sure to grab our FREE 5-Day Meatless Meal Plan. It's packed with tasty recipes to make vegetarian cooking easy and delicious!

    Recipe

    Vegan Pesto Pasta

    This easy Vegan Pesto Pasta makes for a simple and flavorful weeknight meal. It's bursting with fresh flavor from basil, garlic, and pine nuts. And the whole thing is ready in under 20 minutes.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Email Recipe
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Vegan, vegetarian
    Keyword: Delicious Everyday, how to make vegan pesto pasta, vegan pasta recipe, Vegan Pesto Pasta, vegan pesto pasta recipe
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 675kcal
    Author: Oh My Veggies

    Equipment

    • Food processor

    Ingredients

    • 1 Pound Whole Wheat Rigatoni Pasta or your favorite pasta
    • 2 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves de-stemmed
    • ½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • 3 Tbsp Pine Nuts or Cashews
    • 4 Cloves Garlic
    • Sea Salt to taste
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Fill a pot with water and salt the water. Bring the water to a boil and add in the pasta. Boil until al dente (see package directions).
    • Remove from the heat and drain.
    • In a blender or food processor, combine the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth.
    • Place the pasta in a large bowl and add the pesto. Mix well.
    • Serve immediately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 675kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 15gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 9gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 633IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 1mg
    Craving more veg-friendly recipes? Shop our collection of vegetarian and vegan cookbooks, including our new Vegan Thanksgiving and Vegan Christmas cookbooks!
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    Dairy Free Recipes, Delicious Everyday, Vegan Main Dishes, Vegan Recipes, Vegetarian Main Dishes, Vegetarian Recipes basil leaves, cashews, DE, olive oil, pine nuts, wheat pasta

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    Nicole is a life long vegetarian and the author of the popular vegan cookbook, Weeknight One Pot Vegan Cooking. She loves sharing her recipes and showing the world just how easy and delicious meatless meals can be!
    Learn more here.

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