![- 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti) - 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed - 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked - 1/4 cup nutritional yeast - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper, to taste - Cherry tomatoes, for topping - Additional fresh basil leaves for garnish Gather these ingredients to create a delicious vegan creamy pesto pasta. The main ingredients like pasta, fresh basil, and soaked cashews form the base of your dish. Cashews add creaminess, while basil brings a fresh taste. You can find common pantry staples like nutritional yeast and garlic in many kitchens. They enhance the flavor and provide a cheesy taste without dairy. Olive oil and lemon juice add richness and brightness to the dish. Don't forget the seasoning! Salt and pepper will bring out the best flavors in your pasta. Top it with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a beautiful finish. You can check the [Full Recipe] for a complete guide. To start, you need to boil salted water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 12 oz of pasta. You can use penne or spaghetti. Cook the pasta until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, it's time to make the pesto. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, fresh basil leaves, nutritional yeast, and minced garlic. Blend this mixture until it is smooth and creamy. If you want a stronger flavor, add a pinch of salt or a dash of lemon juice. Now comes the fun part. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup of olive oil. This helps create that creamy texture. If the pesto is too thick, add a little water to thin it out. Once blended, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy pesto sauce in a large mixing bowl. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you like. Finally, gently fold in some halved cherry tomatoes for a fresh burst of flavor. You can find the full recipe for this delicious dish to make it perfectly every time. To get a rich and creamy texture, soak the cashews first. Soaking them for at least two hours softens them. This step is key for a smooth pesto. When blending, add olive oil slowly. If the pesto is too thick, pour in a bit of water. This will help you reach your desired consistency. Brighten up your dish with fresh lemon juice. This adds a nice zing that lifts the flavor. You can also play with the garlic and salt levels. Taste as you go. This lets you find the right balance for your palate. Make your dish pop with color. Serve the pasta with halved cherry tomatoes on top. They not only look great but taste amazing too. Finish it off by garnishing with fresh basil leaves. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy touch, making your dish look beautiful and inviting. {{image_2}} If you want to make this dish nut-free, you can swap cashews for sunflower seeds. They give a nice creaminess too. You can also choose whole grain or gluten-free pasta. This keeps it healthy and suitable for everyone. To make your meal more filling, add chickpeas or lentils. They are easy to mix in and boost protein. You can also toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach. These ingredients add flavor and extra nutrition to your dish. Try adding roasted seasonal vegetables. They can enhance the taste and make your dish colorful. You can also play with different herbs like parsley or arugula. This will give your pesto pasta a fresh twist and keep it exciting. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the pasta fresh. When you reheat, do it gently. This helps maintain the creamy texture of the sauce. You can freeze this pasta for up to 2 months. Before you freeze, let it cool completely. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. When you heat it up, add a splash of water. This helps restore the creaminess. Store basil separately. This keeps its flavor intact and vibrant. If you have extra pesto, consider freezing it for future use. Pesto can brighten many dishes, so it’s great to have on hand! Yes, use gluten-free pasta varieties. There are many good options. Look for rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta. These work well and taste great. Substitute olive oil with vegetable broth or water. This change keeps the recipe light. You still get a smooth texture without added fats. You can skip it or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Many brands make good substitutes. These options still give a cheesy flavor. Simply scale the ingredients proportionally for desired servings. If you want to feed more people, just double or triple the amounts. This makes it easy. Yes, you can prepare the pesto ahead and mix with pasta before serving. This saves time on busy days. Just keep the pesto in the fridge for up to three days. In this post, we explored how to make creamy basil pesto pasta. You learned about the main ingredients, including pasta and fresh basil. We covered step-by-step instructions for cooking and blending. Tips for texture and flavor, along with variations, added fun. Remember to store leftovers well to keep them fresh. Experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste. Making this dish is easy and rewarding. Enjoy the rich flavors and healthy benefits it offers!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/928f57b2-1357-48f3-b20e-4d7b01e4c937-250x250.webp)
Vegan Creamy Pesto Pasta
Indulge in this delicious Vegan Creamy Pesto Pasta, a perfect blend of fresh basil, cashews, and garlic for a rich flavor that will impress everyone! This quick recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and serves four, making it ideal for busy nights or cozy gatherings. Click to explore this simple and satisfying dish, featuring vibrant cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a culinary delight that’s both healthy and tasty!