Looking for a satisfying, plant-based recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights? This Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta with Roasted Veggies is both easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and bursting with flavor, making it ideal for anyone looking to add a wholesome twist to their diet. Whether you’re new to vegan eating or just seeking a healthier meal option, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) gluten-free pasta (e.g., chickpea or brown rice pasta)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup cashews (soaked for 2-4 hours)
- 2 cloves garlic
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- Optional: Spinach, arugula, or pine nuts for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Pesto Sauce: In a blender, combine basil leaves, nutritional yeast, soaked cashews, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Roast the Vegetables: Place cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Combine and Serve: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy pesto sauce. Add the roasted vegetables and gently mix. Garnish with fresh spinach, arugula, or pine nuts as desired.
Nutritional Benefits
This vegan pesto pasta is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, thanks to the fresh basil, nutritional yeast, and olive oil. It’s also gluten-free, making it accessible to various dietary needs.
Tips for the Perfect Pesto Pasta
- For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of unsweetened almond or oat milk to the pesto.
- To enhance the flavor, add a handful of fresh arugula to the pesto mixture for a peppery kick.
Keywords
- Vegan Pesto Pasta
- Plant-Based Pasta Recipe
- Dairy-Free Pesto
- Gluten-Free Vegan Pasta
- Healthy Pasta Recipes
Hashtags
#VeganRecipes #PlantBased #HealthyEating #GlutenFree #PestoPasta #DietGlowUp #QuickMeals #DairyFree #HealthyLifestyle #VeganDinner