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    Vegan Pesto Pasta (Easy & Quick)

    March 25, 2021 By avocadocentric Leave a Comment

    vegan pesto pasta on a plate and on a fork
    vegan pesto pasta on plates with forks

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.


    This vegan pesto pasta recipe is flavorful, satisfying, quick, and also easy to make! In addition, it's plant based, gluten free, oil free, dairy free and made with vegan cashew pesto!

    Jump to Recipe

    This vegan pasta comes together quickly so it's perfect for lunches or weeknight dinners. You can also make the pesto ahead of time and then add it to pasta for a quick meal.

    You can also really customize this dish by adding some vegetables like asparagus. If you love easy pasta dishes, you can also try my vegan lemon pasta, one pot pasta, vegan mac and cheese, no boil pasta bake, vegan baked ziti or mushroom pasta!

    Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk about how you can customize it and learn some tips.

    recipe in 2 plates

    How to Make Vegan Pesto Pasta

    Ingredients

    ingredients

    Pasta

    I use my favorite gluten-free pasta for this recipe but you can use any kind of pasta such as elbow, rotini, or spaghetti. You can also use regular pasta if you don't prefer to use gluten free.

    Vegan Cashew Pesto

    This vegan cashew pesto recipe is so quick and easy to make. It has raw cashews, fresh basil, spinach, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, and mustard for a delicious flavor combination.

    Red Pepper Flakes and Basil leaves

    You can add more or less nutritional yeast so play around with it. If you don't care for the cheesy flavor, you can also omit it.

    Vegan Parmesan Cheese (optional)

    You can either use store-bought vegan parmesan cheese or you can make my homemade vegan parmesan cheese.

    How to make it

    • First, start cooking the pasta according to the package directions.
    • noodles cooking in a pot
    • cooked noodles in a pot
    • While the pasta is cooking, make the vegan cashew pesto according to the recipe and then add the pesto to the cooked pasta and mix well.
    • ingredients added tot he cooked noodles
    • recipe in a pot
    • Top with red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves and also vegan parmesan cheese.
    vegan pesto pasta in white plates

    Tips & Variations

    • If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out.
    • You can also add vegetables such as asparagus.
    • Always adjust to taste and then add more salt if needed!
    holding a plate of vegan pesto pasta

    How to store it

    I recommend storing the pesto separately and then adding it to the cooked pasta before serving. You can store the pesto in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use roasted cashews for the pesto?

    I don't recommend it since it will change the taste but you can try.

    The pesto is too thick, what can I do?

    You can add 1 tablespoon of water at a time to thin it out until you reach the desired consistency

    Can I add olive oil?

    Yes, you can add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil for the flavor and texture.

    vegan pesto pasta on a fork

    This homemade vegan pesto pasta recipe comes together so quickly and it is very easy and versatile. It is also:

    • Satisfying
    • Gluten free and dairy free
    • Perfect for weeknight dinners or lunches
    • Also so delicious!

    More plant based recipes to try

    • THAI PEANUT NOODLES (VEGAN & EASY)
    • MEATBALLS RECIPE (GLUTEN-FREE & EASY)
    • PAD THAI (EASY & HEALTHY)
    • LENTIL BOLOGNESE
    • PASTA SALAD (EASY & QUICK)
    • BLACK BEAN QUINOA BURGER
    • PAELLA

    So, did you make this? I’d love for you to leave a comment and rate the recipe. You can also share your photo of the recipe on Pinterest and tag me on Instagram using @avocadocentric or #avocadocentric! xo, Selin

    Print
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    vegan pesto pasta on plates with forks

    Vegan Pesto Pasta ( Easy & Quick )

    • Author: avocadocentric
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x
    • Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
    • Method: Cook
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This vegan pesto pasta recipe is flavorful, satisfying, quick, & easy to make! It's plant based, gluten free, oil free, dairy free and made with vegan cashew pesto!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 12 oz pasta (gluten free if preferred)
    • 1 recipe of vegan cashew pesto
    • ¼ teaspoon to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust)
    • basil leaves for garnish
    • homemade vegan parmesan cheese or storebought (optional)

    Instructions

    1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. 
    2. While the pasta is cooking, make the vegan cashew pesto according to the recipe. add the pesto to the cooked pasta and mix well. 
    3. Top with red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves and vegan parmesan cheese.  

    Notes

    If the pesto is too thick, add a little bit of water to thin it out.

    add vegetables such as asparagus. 

    Always adjust to taste and add more salt if needed!


    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 4
    • Calories: 486
    • Sugar: 4.1g
    • Sodium: 345.8
    • Fat: 13.5g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 74.5g
    • Fiber: 4.5g
    • Protein: 17.2
    • Cholesterol: 0mg

    Keywords: dairy free pesto pasta, cashew pesto pasta, vegan pasta, vegan creamy pesto pasta

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @avocadocentric on Instagram and hashtag it #avocadocentric

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    Hi, I'm Selin! Welcome to Avocado Centric!

    All recipes are vegan, gluten free, dairy free, easy, healthy & primarily plant based. My goal is to empower and inspire you to cook with plants and create delicious foods for you and your family to enjoy. 

    More about me →


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