"Vegan pesto penne pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes on a clean white plate"

Vegan Pesto Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: A Burst of Summer Flavor

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Vegan Pesto Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: A Burst of Summer Flavor

KEY INFO:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Tags: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Optional Gluten-Free

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
  • Large pot
  • Blender or food processor
  • Baking sheet or skillet
  • Strainer
  • Sharp knife
  • Large mixing bowl
INGREDIENTS:

Pasta:

  • 8-12 oz pasta (penne or gluten-free alternative)
  • 2-3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

Vegan Pesto:

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/3 cup cashews or pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD:
1. Prepare Tomatoes:
  • Preheat oven to 400°F
  • Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper
  • Roast for 20-25 minutes until slightly charred and burst

Roasted cherry tomatoes burst open in oven

2. Make Vegan Pesto:
  • Combine all pesto ingredients in food processor
  • Blend until smooth but slightly textured
  • Add water if too thick

Blending fresh ingredients for vegan pesto in a food processor

3. Cook Pasta:
  • Bring salted water to rolling boil
  • Cook pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes)
  • Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining

Pasta boiling in a pot, signifying it's being cooked al dente

4. Combine:
  • Toss hot pasta with pesto sauce
  • Add roasted tomatoes
  • Mix gently, adding reserved pasta water if needed
CRUCIAL TIPS:
  • Don’t overcook pasta – it should have a slight bite
  • Adjust pesto seasoning to taste
  • Use fresh basil for maximum flavor
VARIATIONS:
  • Nut-free: Replace nuts with sunflower seeds
  • Add protein: Incorporate baked tofu or chickpeas
  • Gluten-free: Use chickpea or lentil pasta
STORAGE:
  • Refrigerate in airtight container
  • Best consumed within 3-5 days
  • Reheat with splash of water or plant milk
NUTRITIONAL BOOST:
  • Rich in healthy fats from nuts and olive oil
  • High in antioxidants from basil and tomatoes
  • Optional protein additions available
PRO TRICKS:
  • Toast nuts briefly before blending for deeper flavor
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother pesto
  • Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:
  • Burning nuts while toasting
  • Overblending pesto (loses texture)
  • Using cold pasta water

The magic of this dish? It’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that come together in a symphony of flavors. Each bite tells a story of summer’s abundance – bright tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy, nutty pesto dancing on your plate.

Buon appetito!