Vegan Pesto Pasta

 Vegan Pesto Pasta is delicious, healthy and so quick and easy to make! The homemade pesto recipe is packed with nutrients and lots of flavor!

This easy pesto pasta is such a simple dish but it is still very filling and satisfying. It is made using my recipe for homemade Basil Spinach Pesto and it is a great way to get a healthy dose of greens and plant-based protein. You can also use store-bought pesto to make this recipe, but I highly recommend homemade. The pesto sauce that you use makes all the difference and homemade is so much better in every way!

For an additional source of protein, try adding some Crispy Baked Tofu. Not a Vegan? You don’t have to be a Vegan or Vegetarian to enjoy this meal. Try having it on meatless Mondays or serve it as a side dish. You can also easily modify this recipe to suit your taste. Maybe toss in some cherry tomatoes for additional nutrients, flavor, and color. Or just toss in some chicken, shrimp, or another protein of your choice. I even used my vegan pesto to make my Basil Pesto Chicken and Veggies. 

Vegan Pesto Pasta Ingredients

Vegan Pesto Pasta does not require many ingredients. I personally used all organic, vegan ingredients to make this pasta, including organic rotini pasta and nutritional yeast. You can easily change or add additional ingredients based on what you have available. Whether you use organic ingredients or not is completely up to you. 

• Vegan Basil Spinach Pesto – You can use store-bought pesto as well, but I highly recommend homemade.
• extra virgin olive oil – Avocado oil makes a great substitute.
• vegetable broth – You can also substitute chicken broth for non-vegan.
• rotini pasta or pasta of your choice

Optional:

• salt and pepper to taste – I did not need to add any since my homemade pesto has all the seasoning I want.
• nutritional yeast for topping – You can also substitute grated parmesan cheese for non-vegan pesto pasta.

How to make Vegan Pesto Pasta

First, make the basil spinach pesto, it only takes about 5 minutes in a food processor. If you are using store-bought pesto sauce, you can skip this. 

Next, boil your pasta according to the package instructions and make sure to salt your pasta water.

While the pasta is cooking, add the olive oil and vegetable broth to a large saute pan or skillet. Over low – medium heat, bring it to a simmer then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the prepared pesto to the pan and stir to combine. Drain your cooked pasta, do not rinse, then add it to the pan with the sauce and stir to combine until the pasta is coated. Remove from heat and serve immediately. If you would like, top it with nutritional yeast or freshly grated parmesan cheese if you are not vegan.

I hope that you enjoy the pesto pasta!

(This recipe was originally published on January 9th, 2019 and has been updated with a new recipe card.)

Did you make this recipe?
Tag @thesumofyum on Instagram

Easy Vegan Recipes

More easy vegan recipes to try!

• Creamy Cauliflower Pasta
• Creamy Red Pepper Pasta
• Vegan Pad Thai
• Easy Hummus Recipe
• Low Carb Lo Mein Noodles
• Romesco Sauce
• Instant Pot Vegetable Soup 
• Roasted Carrot Hummus
• Cinnamon Honey Nut Granola
• Easy Tomato Basil Soup
• Healthy Glow Salad
• Pumpkin Hummus
• Restaurant Style Salsa
• Sweet Potato Tacos

Easy Pasta Recipes

• Roasted Cauliflower Pasta
• Creamy Italian Ravioli
• Creamy Mushroom Pasta
• Sage Butter Ravioli
• Pumpkin Fettucine Alfredo
• Ratatouille Pasta
• Cajun Shrimp Pasta
• Chicken Diavolo Pasta
• Caprese Pasta Salad
• Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad
• Fall Tortellini Pasta Salad
• Chicken Tetrazzini
• Creamy Sage Turkey Pasta and Peas
• Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta

Please visit The Scoop for my latest posts or you can search or browse my Recipe Index to find more yummy recipes.