20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta Recipe

This 20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta brings fresh, bold flavors to your table faster than takeout, and with zero compromise on creaminess or satisfaction. Imagine twirls of your favorite pasta tossed in a lush, homemade basil-walnut pesto, glossy bursts of sautéed tomatoes, and a silky finish from vegan cream and cheese. Whether it’s a rushed weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe is your new go-to for quick, wholesome comfort that’s as easy to love as it is to whip up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for 20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta is as simple as it is transformative—each component plays a starring role in taste, texture, and color. With just a few pantry and produce staples, you’ll create a vibrant dish that never feels ordinary.

• Pasta (8 ounces): Choose your favorite shape—spaghetti, penne, or fusilli all work beautifully, and gluten-free options are welcome too!
• Coconut Oil (½ tablespoon): Adds a subtle nutty richness that enhances the sautéed tomatoes and brings extra silkiness.
• Grape or Cherry Tomatoes (2 cups, sliced): Deliver juicy, sweet pops that balance the herbaceous pesto and creamy sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for brightening every element and tying the flavors together.
• Vegan Heavy Cream (2–4 tablespoons): Lends a luscious, dairy-free creaminess without feeling heavy.
• Vegan Parmesan Cheese (3 tablespoons + extra for garnish): Brings savory, cheesy depth; homemade or store-bought both shine.
• Pesto (½ to ¾ cup): The fresh basil-walnut sauce is the showstopper—see below for your homemade version!
• Pasta Water (2–4 tablespoons): Helps achieve the perfect silky pesto sauce that clings to every noodle.
• Basil Leaves (2 ½ cups, stemmed & washed): Supplies fragrant, vibrant green freshness for your pesto.
• Walnuts (⅓ cup, raw): Add earthiness and creamy body to the pesto without overpowering the basil.
• Vegan Parmesan Cheese (2 tablespoons): Incorporated into the pesto for extra umami and body.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Provides aromatic, spicy notes that wake up the sauce.
• Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the pesto and gives it a subtle tangy lift.
• Sea Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances every vibrant flavor in the pesto.
• Olive Oil (⅓ to ½ cup): Creates the lush, pourable texture for that signature pesto gloss.
• Pepper (½ teaspoon or to taste): Adds just the right touch of warmth and keeps the flavors lively.

How to Make 20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook your pasta according to the package instructions. The salt in the water is your first hit of seasoning, making the noodles themselves delicious. Reserve a couple of spoonfuls of the starchy pasta water just before draining—this secret ingredient helps turn your pesto into a dreamy, clingy sauce later on.

Step 2: Sauté the Tomatoes

While the pasta cooks, heat the coconut oil in a sauté pan over medium-high. Toss in the sliced grape or cherry tomatoes and watch as they sizzle and burst, releasing their sweet juices and intensifying in flavor. This only takes about 5 minutes but adds incredible freshness. Don’t forget to season with sea salt and a bit of black pepper—each tomato should sing!

Step 3: Prepare the Basil Walnut Pesto

This is the magic moment of your 20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta. In your food processor or high-powered blender, combine the cleaned basil leaves, walnuts, vegan Parmesan, garlic, lime juice, sea salt, pepper, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Adjust olive oil to reach your desired consistency—luxuriously thick, but still easily drizzled. Transfer any extra pesto to a jar for next time!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Back to the stove! Add the drained pasta into the pan with sautéed tomatoes. Pour in your vegan heavy cream—it’s what makes this dish feel so decadent—and sprinkle over the vegan Parmesan. Next, spoon in ½ to ¾ cup of your fresh pesto, stirring to coat every noodle. If things look a little thick, drizzle in that reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to get a silky, glossy sauce that hugs the pasta perfectly.

Step 5: Taste and Finish

Time for the final flourish: season the pasta to taste with extra salt or black pepper if needed. Pile your beautiful noodles into bowls, top with a generous hit of vegan Parmesan, and let your taste buds do a happy dance. Your stunning, vibrant 20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta is ready to enjoy—hot, fragrant, and oh-so-satisfying!

How to Serve 20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta

Garnishes

Finish every bowl with a snow flurry of vegan Parmesan and a scattering of fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed walnuts can add an elegant touch, while a twist of cracked pepper makes everything pop. A wedge of lime on the side brightens up your plate (and your palate) even more!

Side Dishes

This pasta is lovely on its own, but it pairs like a dream with garlicky grilled bread, a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. If you want a protein boost, crispy tofu or white beans are effortless additions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving 20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta in shallow bowls for a restaurant vibe, or pile it high on a platter family-style. Skewer a few extra roasted tomatoes on toothpicks for a fun, whimsical garnish, or top each bowl with microgreens for a fresh twist. For picnics or parties, it’s gorgeous served in small mason jars for a portable, Instagram-ready meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have any 20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta left, simply spoon it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. The flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight, making it extra yummy the next day. It will keep for up to 3 days, so it’s a great make-ahead lunch or swift solution for busy evenings.

Freezing

While the finished pasta itself isn’t a fan of the freezer, your homemade basil-walnut pesto absolutely loves it! Pour leftover pesto into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag. Pop out a cube or two whenever you want to jazz up future pastas, sandwiches, or even roasted veggies.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your pasta gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of non-dairy milk or a spoonful of water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir until heated through, and refresh the flavors with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan before serving. Quick, easy, and every bit as delicious as when it was first made!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought vegan pesto for this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto really brings a vibrant, fresh flavor, a high-quality store-bought vegan pesto will work nicely in your 20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta, especially if you’re pinched for time.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Almost any pasta shape will shine here. Classic spaghetti or linguine is great for twirling, while penne and fusilli are perfect if you like those little pesto pockets with every bite. Use gluten-free options if desired—the pesto is the real star!

Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?

Yes! To make a nut-free pesto, swap walnuts for toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, which deliver plenty of flavor and creaminess with zero nuts involved.

Can I add vegetables or protein for a heartier meal?

Definitely. This pasta loves company—try tossing in sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, or baby spinach. For extra protein, grilled tempeh, chickpeas, or tofu steak round out the dish beautifully.

How do I prevent the pesto from turning brown?

Pesto stays vibrant when you store it in an airtight container and smooth a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing. Adding a splash more lime juice can help reduce browning too—plus, it boosts the flavor for your 20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts, this 20 Minute Vegan Pesto Pasta will win you over in a single forkful. It’s generous with flavor, quick to make, wonderfully adaptable, and an absolute joy to share at any table. Dive in and let this recipe become a staple in your kitchen—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to fall in love with plant-based pasta magic!

Print