Quick & Easy Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta: A 20-Minute Weeknight Delight (Dairy-Free & Adaptable)

2 weeks ago

Are you looking for a delicious, quick, and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights? This creamy vegan pesto pasta recipe is your answer! Embracing the excitement around more accessible plant-based options, just like emdothe77 shared about the New York Times Cooking's vegetarian newsletter, this dish is a fantastic step in the direction of delightful dairy-free dining. It's so good, you might just have friends asking, "Can cook for me 🤡🤭?"

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal in under 20 minutes, proving that plant-based eating can be both convenient and incredibly flavorful. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just exploring more plant-forward meals, this dish is designed for everyone. As one abillion user noted, many platforms, like Bin Appetit, are doing "so much more these days with vegan food," highlighting the growing ease of finding and enjoying plant-based ingredients. Get ready to say "Nice!!!!" to your new favorite go-to pasta!

Vibrant Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes

Why You'll Love This Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta

This recipe is ideal for anyone seeking a speedy yet wholesome dinner solution. It's especially perfect for:

Busy professionals and students needing a fast, nutritious meal.
Families looking for an adaptable, kid-friendly dinner.
Anyone exploring dairy-free or vegan options without compromising on flavor or creaminess.
Meal prepping for quick lunches throughout the week.

It addresses the common challenge of finding tasty plant-based recipes that don't require extensive cooking time or exotic ingredients.

Ingredients

12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (e.g., penne pasta, fusilli, or spaghetti)
½ cup vegan basil pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk)
¼ cup nutritional yeast
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Large pot for cooking pasta
Large skillet or pan
Colander

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and burst slightly.
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes and garlic.
Stir in the vegan basil pesto, unsweetened almond milk, and nutritional yeast. Toss well to combine.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired creaminess is reached.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Variations and Adaptations

Add Protein: Boost your meal with firm tofu cubes, chickpeas, or white beans for extra heartiness.
Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.
Extra Veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach, asparagus, or mushrooms with the cherry tomatoes.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes with the garlic for a bit of heat.
Richer Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, blend ½ cup soaked raw cashews with the plant milk and pesto before adding to the pasta.

Tips & Hacks

Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water! Its starch content helps the sauce emulsify and cling beautifully to the pasta, making it extra creamy without needing more fat.
Batch Cook Pesto: If you make your own vegan pesto, consider making a larger batch and freezing portions for even quicker future meals.
"Cheesy" Boost: Nutritional yeast is key for that savory, cheesy flavor in dairy-free recipes. Don't skip it! If you want an even stronger cheese flavor, a sprinkle of vegan parmesan can also work.

Ready to try this amazing Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta? We'd love to see your creations! Share your experience on abillion and inspire others to cook delicious plant-based meals.

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