Recipe by Vegan Recipes and Vibes (@veganrecipesandvibes)
Yield: 6 servings | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes
Pesto penne pasta, vegan style! This is a classic pesto recipe, minus the dairy and expensive pine nuts. I found that walnuts are a great substitution since they're soft, nutty, and add some earthiness to the pesto. The trick for this recipe is to use really good olive oil, since that gives the pesto a lot of flavor. This vegan pesto penne can be enjoyed warm or cold. Make some extra pesto to save for other recipes!
Ingredients:
1 box (16oz) penne pasta (I used whole wheat)
1 container (10oz) of cherry tomatoes
2 garlic cloves
4-5 large handfuls of fresh spinach
Salt & pepper to taste
Pesto Ingredients:
3 large handfuls of fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup walnuts
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp garlic powder
Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the directions on the box.
Meanwhile, chop your tomatoes and garlic.
Add the tomatoes to a frying pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water so they don't stick to the pan.
Cook the tomatoes for 3-4 minutes, then add in your garlic. Cook for another 2-3 min.
Add all your spinach to the pan and cook until wilted.
Set aside until needed.
While the veggies cook, make your pesto.
Add all the pesto ingredients to a food processor or mini NutriBullet and blend until everything is chopped and combined. ○ If your pesto is looking a little too thick, you can add more olive oil or even a tiny splash of water.
By now your pasta should be done boiling. Drain and place back into the pot.
Add the tomatoes, spinach, and pesto to your pasta.
Mix gently until the pasta is coated evenly.
Serve immediately with a little bit of vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast on top!
Tips and Tricks:
You can enjoy this dish hot or cold.
This is a very customizable dish -- add vegan chicken or sausage, asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, or any other veggies you think would go well in here.
You can also make this recipe with my oil-free pesto recipe!
Nutrition & Servings: (calculated by MyFitnessPal)
Whole Wheat Barilla Penne:
Servings: 6
Calories: 439
Total Fat: 23.5g
Carbs: 51.1g
Protein: 10.5g
White Barilla Penne:
Servings: 6
Calories: 473
Total Fat: 23g
Carbs: 59.3g
Protein: 11.6g
^ Nutrition facts do not include additional toppings. Nutrition facts may change slightly if additional ingredients are added.
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