Inspired by: @veganonthesavannah
Are you looking for a delicious, satisfying, and incredibly simple meal that comes together in minutes? This easy vegan bow tie pasta with vibrant red pesto is your answer! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a wholesome, flavorful dinner without all the fuss. It's truly a dish you can just "throw together" using amazing plant-based products, proving that a quick meal doesn't mean sacrificing taste.
It's a meal so universally loved, one fan exclaimed, "#carbsforlife 😋😋😋🔝" on abillion, a sentiment enthusiastically endorsed by many others! This recipe is naturally dairy-free and meat-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone embracing a plant-based lifestyle or simply looking to add more delicious vegan options to their rotation.
What Problem Does This Recipe Solve?
This recipe is perfect for anyone asking:
- "What's an easy vegan pasta recipe for dinner?"
- "How can I make a quick and dairy-free meal?"
- "I need a simple plant-based dinner idea."
- "What can I cook when I'm short on time but still want something tasty?"
This recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful dish that caters to these needs, making plant-based eating accessible and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- Bow Tie Pasta: 250g (or about 2 cups uncooked) - we recommend Fior di Natura Pasta di Legumi
- Red Pesto: 1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
- Vegan Parmesan: 2-3 tablespoons, grated or crumbled - try a high-quality Vegan Cheese alternative
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Fresh Basil or Parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Strainer
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare your red pesto if making it from scratch, or simply have your store-bought pesto ready.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly.
- Return the drained pasta to the empty pot. Add the red pesto and stir well, ensuring all the pasta is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the vegan parmesan.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Variations and Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by opting for your favorite gluten-free bow tie pasta.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content and freshness by stirring in a handful of fresh baby spinach, rocket, or halved cherry tomatoes after the pasta is drained and tossed with pesto.
- Protein Power-Up: For an extra boost of protein, add cooked chickpeas, white beans, or crumbled firm tofu to the pasta.
- Pesto Preferences: While red pesto offers a unique flavor, feel free to experiment with other vegan pesto varieties like classic basil pesto or a vibrant kale pesto.
- Different Pasta Shapes: Don't have bow ties? No problem! This recipe works beautifully with almost any pasta shape – penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are great alternatives.
Tips & Hacks for the Perfect Pasta
- Reserve Pasta Water: This is a pro tip! The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the pesto, creating a silkier, richer sauce that clings better to the pasta.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving isn't just for looks; it adds a burst of aromatic freshness that elevates the entire dish.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your pesto pasta before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or even add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness if needed.
Enhance Your Meal with abillion
Discover a world of delicious plant-based products and support a compassionate lifestyle by downloading the abillion app. Find more amazing recipes and share your own culinary creations with a vibrant community.
Here's an image showcasing the simple yet delicious nature of this dish, with its vibrant red pesto coating the bow tie pasta, topped with vegan parmesan:
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