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Home » Easy Plant-Based Recipes

Published: Sep 28, 2023 by Padma Kumar

Pasta al Pesto (15 minute recipe)

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Pasta al pesto, or pesto pasta, is a dish that spells total comfort! If you have homemade pesto in your store cupboard handy, then you can whip up this dish in under 15 minutes and enjoy its deliciousness!

Cooked pasta al pesto dish is served on a colorful plate with some roasted tomatoes and fresh basil garnish.

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This post includes helpful tips, but if you're in a hurry, use the "Jump to Recipe" or section links to skip ahead.

I always have a bottle of basil pesto and this hearty marinara sauce in the back of my fridge. With these two sauces with me, I feel like I can conquer the world - well, at least the culinary world 😆.

Quick and easy dishes such as this pasta al pesto (as well as this spinach stir fry and this sautéed okra) are my saviors on days when time is scarce! They give me the comfort, nourishment, and deliciousness that I look for in a weeknight meal.

You can serve this pasta al pesto on its own or with roasted vegetables on the side for a more wholesome meal. See the section below for serving suggestions and ideas.

If you are ok with dairy, then I highly recommend adding this cream cheese tomato pasta sauce and recipe for Alfredo sauce without heavy cream to your weekly meal planning routine - they are so easy to make and SO delicious!

Jump to:
  • Allergens Free Labels
  • About this pasta recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to make pesto pasta
  • Recipe Notes
  • Serving and Storage
  • More quick and easy recipes
  • FAQs
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Comments

Allergens Free Labels

This simple pesto pasta dish is plant based and therefore is dairy free recipe. It is also soy-free. You can make it gluten free: see the notes section below.

About this pasta recipe

Pasta al pesto (pasta el pesto) means pasta with pesto in Italian and it is the ultimate comfort budget food. It usually features long, flat pasta such as linguine and fettuccine that allow the pesto sauce to coat them thickly. Trofie is another traditional pasta shape for this recipe.

To add bulk and make it filling, green beans and potatoes are usually added to this comfort budget dish.

The pesto sauce, also known as pesto Genovese, comes from the Genoa region in Italy. It consists of crushed garlic, Genovese basil, pine nuts, salt, olive oil and (of course) Parmesan cheese.

Note to self: Go for a holiday in Italy and have pasta with pesto made by locals!

Ingredients

This is a basic recipe that requires just a few ingredients. However, you can also add more ingredients to enhance the flavors and textures. See the notes section below for some suggestions and ideas.

See the recipe card further below for quantities.

Pasta pesto ingredients are placed on a white patterned board. There are some fresh basil leaves, olive oil, spaghetti, salt, nutritional yeast flakes, and cherry tomatoes on the vine in the picture.

Pasta: This recipe is usually made with linguine, but I prefer to use spaghetti. You can also choose any other type of pasta - penne, fusilli, farfalle, macaroni - that you like.

Pesto: For this recipe, I have used dairy-free homemade basil pesto.

Tomatoes: I love using cherry tomatoes for this recipe. You can use any tomato that you have with you.

For best taste, use good quality extra virgin olive oil.

Nutritional yeast: Also known as nooch, I love using this for its deep umami flavor. You can use vegan parmesan cheese instead, if that is what you prefer.

Fresh basil leaves are optional, but they will give the dish a herby fragrance.

The salt quantity here is only for the tomatoes. I assume that the pesto you use has salt in it and that you cook the pasta in salted water, as the packet instructions say.

If you have any questions regarding these ingredients, feel free to ask in the comments section below and I will try my best to answer them for you.

How to make pesto pasta

This easy pasta dish comes together in under 15 minutes, that is if you have pesto handy.

Come, lets make this pesto pasta recipe.

Step 1: Follow the packet instructions to cook the pasta. Save 3-4 tablespoons of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, roast the tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in halves. Place a frying pan on medium high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and place the halved tomatoes, skin side down and sprinkle salt on them.

YouTube video

Roast them for 1-2 minutes. Flip each tomato over and roast for another 1-2 minutes or until they have become slightly squishy and still holding their shape.

YouTube video

Remove from heat and keep them aside.

Cherry tomatoes halves that have been pan roasted in some olive oil are placed in a white bowl-plate.

Step 3: Assemble the spaghetti al pesto: Tip the spaghetti, while it is still warm, to a large bowl.

Add the pesto, reserved pasta cooking water, remaining olive oil, and some of the nutritional yeast flakes.

Some cooked spaghetti is placed in a round oval white bowl. There are a few dollops of basil pesto sauce, some olive oil, cooked pasta water, and nutritional yeast flakes placed on the spaghetti.

Mix well (use tongs or a big mixing spoon) so that the pesto evenly coats the pasta.

YouTube video

Alternatively, in a separate bowl, mix the pesto with the reserved pasta water to make a pesto sauce.

Add the roasted cherry tomatoes and sprinkle the remaining nutritional yeast.

The dish pasta al pesto with pan roasted tomatoes is placed in a white oval dish. Next to the bowl, is placed one cherry tomato and some nutritional yeast in a small white colored bowl.

Garnish with, if using, fresh basil leaves.

Serve warm on its own or with veggies - see notes section below for more details.

Love this vegan pesto dish? Try my bold pasta sauce with red peppers—it’s another 15‑minute pantry-friendly winner.

Recipe Notes

Pesto: My pesto recipe is rich and creamy with nuts and olive oil, and it has a spicy kick with garlic, jalapeno, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

You can use any other pesto - arugula, spinach, broccoli - of your choice, but keep in mind that the allergen labels might change depending on the ingredients.

Do you heat pesto before mixing it with the pasta?: No that is not required. Just add the pesto to the pasta while it is still warm. Alternatively, mix the pesto with the pasta cooking water that you had reserved. Mix well. Add this pesto sauce to the warm pasta.

Make it gluten free: Swap the wheat pasta with any gluten free pasta of your choice.

Serving size: These quantities are good enough for 2 very hungry people or 3 not-so-hungry people. 

Veggies: The pesto makes this dish supremely delicious and fragrant on its own, but I like to add tomatoes for a lovely contrast of color and a burst of juiciness in my mouth. You can also elevate the dish to new heights by adding sautéed or roasted vegetables such as tender stem broccoli, asparagus, green beans, zucchini, kale or carrots.

Cheese: This recipe has no cheese, as you may have noticed. Instead, I used nutritional yeast flakes for umami flavor. You can add some grated parmesan cheese if you are ok with dairy or use vegan parmesan cheese, if you prefer. Pecorino Romano cheese would also go very well with these flavors.

For more flavor and texture, garnish this simple pesto pasta with toasted pine nuts - whole or chopped up in a food processor - and some fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a lovely zing to the dish.

If you like a deeper pesto flavor, feel free to add 1 or 2 tablespoons more of the pesto.

Serving and Storage

Serve this dish warm for the best taste. The pasta will absorb the moisture and make the dish dry if you keep it for too long.

Storage: This pesto pasta will keep in the refrigerator, in a fridge-safe container with a tight fitting lid, for 2-3 days.

To reheat this dish, transfer it to a microwave-safe container, add a splash of water, and cover it with a plate or kitchen towel. Then, microwave it until it is warm throughout.

Cooked pasta that has been tossed in basil sauce is placed in a mound on a colorful plate. The pasta is topped with roasted cherry tomatoes and yeast flakes. Some fresh basil leaves are placed on the dish.

Any doubts or questions? Feel free to ask via the comments below. I will try my best to answer them for you. - Padma

More quick and easy recipes

I am the self-anointed queen of quick, easy, and hassle-free cooking. If you are looking for delicious recipes that come together in a flash, here are some suggestions:

  • Corn and peas salad: This street style zingy salad comes together in just 5 minutes (I am not kidding!) and it tastes so good!
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FAQs

What pasta goes with pesto?

Pesto pairs wonderfully with a variety of pasta shapes, but some classic choices include linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or trofie. The long, flat surface of linguine and spaghetti allow the pesto to coat each strand evenly, while the nooks and crannies of shapes like fusilli or penne can trap the sauce for a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Ultimately, the choice of pasta for pesto comes down to personal preference, with the key being to ensure the pasta is cooked to the desired level of tenderness and mixed thoroughly with the pesto.

What is linguine al pesto?

Linguine al pesto is a classic Italian pasta dish that features linguine pasta, a type of long, flat pasta, tossed with a vibrant basil pesto sauce. The pesto sauce is typically made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, extra-virgin olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese. However, for a vegan or dairy-free version, nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan can be used as a substitute. The sauce is prepared by blending these ingredients into a creamy, herbaceous paste that coats the linguine noodles. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish where the pasta is infused with the rich, nutty, and aromatic notes of the pesto, creating a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. It's a beloved Italian classic that celebrates the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients.

What does pesto spaghetti taste like?

Pesto spaghetti has a distinctive and vibrant taste profile. The pesto sauce, typically made from fresh basil, garlic, nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative), imparts a rich, herbaceous, and slightly nutty flavor. The basil provides a fresh, earthy note, while the garlic adds a subtle pungency. The olive oil contributes a smooth richness, and the cheese (or its vegan counterpart) offers a creamy, salty element. When tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti, the pasta absorbs the pesto's flavors, creating a harmonious blend of savory, aromatic, and slightly tangy notes.

If you have made this pasta al pesto recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment and a rating below. This will make me super happy and motivate me to create more good content for you! You can also engage with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram xx Padma

📖 Recipe

Spaghetti with fresh basil, roasted tomatoes, and pesto sauce with a garnish of nutritional yeast flakes is placed in a round, colorful plate.
Padma Kumar

Quick and Easy Pasta al Pesto

5 from 66 votes
This pasta al pesto will awaken your senses and make your taste buds dance with its thick homemade basil pesto coating the pasta. The spaghetti, cooked to perfection, is like a blank canvas and absorbs the flavors so well!
The pan roasted tomatoes add a delicious juicy tang and the nutritional yeast flakes - a dairy-free substitute to Parmesan cheese - give this dish a lovely umami depth.
This pesto pasta recipe is a celebration of flavors, textures, and colors - something that we all look for in a meal, right?!
This is a plant based recipe.
Also look at the photos and videos above.
Pin Recipe
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 395

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Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients  

  • ¾ cup (150g) dry spaghetti
  • 3 tablespoons vegan pesto
  • 3 tablespoons reserved pasta water
  • 5-6 cherry tomatoes
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast flakes
Garnish (optional)
  • fresh basil leaves

Equipment

  • 1 rice/pasta pot
  • 1 cup/bowl, to store the pasta water
  • 1 large bowl for bringing the dish together
  • 1 mixing spoon or tongs
  • 1 frying pan to roast the tomatoes
  • 1 big spoon to turn the tomatoes over

Instructions
 

  • Cook the spaghetti as per packet instructions. Reserve some water and drain the rest of the water.
  • While the pasta is cooking, roast the tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in halves. Heat a frying pan on medium high heat.
    Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and place the halved tomatoes, skin side down and sprinkle salt on them.
    Fry them for 1-2 minutes. Flip each tomato over and fry for another 1-2 minutes or until they have become slightly squishy and still holding their shape.
    Remove from heat and keep them aside.
    5-6 cherry tomatoes, ¼ teaspoon salt
Assemble the spaghetti al pesto
  • Tip the spaghetti, while it is still warm, to a large bowl.
    ¾ cup (150g) dry spaghetti
  • Add the pesto, reserved pasta cooking water, remaining olive oil, and some of the nutritional yeast flakes. Mix well so that the pesto evenly coats the pasta.
    Alternatively, in a separate bowl, mix the pesto with the reserved water to make a pesto sauce.
    Add the roasted cherry tomatoes and sprinkle the remaining nutritional yeast.
    3 tablespoons vegan pesto, 3 tablespoons reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast flakes
  • Garnish with, if using, fresh basil leaves.
    fresh basil leaves

Nutrition

Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 15.7g | Saturated Fat: 1.9g | Sodium: 659mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 1.8g | Sugar: 2.5g | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 4mg
Disclosure

The nutritional information is calculated using an online calculator and is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionists' advice. Changing the quantities and cooking technique will alter the nutritional calculations.

Notes

Allergens free labels: This is a plant based recipe and therefore is dairy free. It is also soy-free. 
Serving size: These proportions are good enough for 2 very hungry people or 3 not-so-hungry people. 
Pesto: For this recipe, I used homemade basil pesto that is dairy-free. It is rich and creamy with nuts and olive oil, and it has a spicy kick with garlic, jalapeno, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. You can use any pesto of your choice, but keep in mind that the allergen labels might change depending on the ingredients.
If you like a deeper pesto flavor, feel free to add 1 or 2 tablespoons more of the pesto.
Pasta: This recipe is usually made with linguine, but I prefer to use spaghetti. You can also choose any other type of pasta - penne, fusilli, macaroni - that you like.
Salt: The salt quantity here is only for the tomatoes. I assume that the pesto you use has salt in it and that you cook the pasta in salted water, as the packet instructions say.
Veggies: The pesto makes this dish supremely delicious and fragrant on its own, but I like to add tomatoes for a lovely contrast of color and a burst of juiciness in my mouth. You can also elevate the dish to new heights by adding sautéed or roasted vegetables such as tender stem broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or carrots.
Cheese: This recipe has no cheese, as you may have noticed. Instead, I used nutritional yeast flakes for umami flavor. You can add some grated parmesan cheese if you are ok with dairy. Pecorino Romano cheese would also go very well with these flavors.
For more flavor and texture, garnish this simple pesto pasta with toasted pine nuts - whole or chopped up in a food processor - and some fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a lovely zing to the dish.
Scaling the recipe

Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only.

Allergens Disclaimer

Our content aims to be informative and educational, but it should not replace professional medical advice. Since manufacturing processes can vary and cross-contamination is possible, it's essential to verify product labels and allergen information. Make sure all ingredients align with your specific allergies. As readers, you bear the responsibility for ensuring allergen safety when buying or consuming foods.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jess says

    March 31, 2024 at 7:39 am

    5 stars
    So tasty and easy to make!

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      April 01, 2024 at 10:39 pm

      Thank you Jess!

      Reply
  2. April says

    March 31, 2024 at 2:46 am

    5 stars
    I love making pesto pasta and this recipe was quick, easy and delicious!

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      April 01, 2024 at 10:39 pm

      Thank you for your feedback. So glad that it worked for you.

      Reply
  3. Sharon says

    March 30, 2024 at 9:58 pm

    Pesto is so beautiful and delicious with pasta and sandwiches. Great recipe, thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      April 01, 2024 at 10:37 pm

      Thank you Sharon. I agree, pesto is so handy and versatile!

      Reply
  4. Anna Krawczyk says

    March 27, 2024 at 4:51 pm

    5 stars
    That was delicious! And so easy too. I will definitely make it again.

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      April 01, 2024 at 10:32 pm

      Thank you so much Anna!

      Reply
  5. Sharon says

    November 21, 2023 at 10:53 am

    5 stars
    I love pesto pastas! I look forward to trying your recipe.

    Reply
  6. Erin says

    November 20, 2023 at 10:53 pm

    5 stars
    This vegan pasta al pesto is so easy, yummy and fun to make!

    Reply
  7. Delaney says

    November 20, 2023 at 9:41 pm

    Love how easy this one is!

    Reply
  8. Karlie says

    November 20, 2023 at 8:14 pm

    5 stars
    I always have LOADS of basil and tomatoes in my garden in the summer. This is a delicious use for the bounty.

    Reply
  9. Conchetta P says

    November 20, 2023 at 6:56 pm

    5 stars
    I love pesto- A great recipe to remember on busy family nights

    Reply
  10. Andréa says

    September 29, 2023 at 6:35 pm

    5 stars
    I'm going to serve this to my vegan friend who comes to the house next week. I'm sure she is going to love this! It looks so delicious!

    Reply
  11. C Griggs says

    September 29, 2023 at 6:08 am

    5 stars
    This pasta has a delicious flavor- so easy
    Love this site

    Reply
    • Padma Kumar says

      October 04, 2023 at 7:59 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
5 from 66 votes (57 ratings without comment)

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Hi, I'm Padma! I am a passionate cook and can cook through any mood! My cooking is all about simple, healthy meals made with fresh ingredients and with a lot of love. As a mum and an early childhood educator, I deeply care about raising healthy eaters.

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