Are you ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with a mouthwatering plant-based masterpiece that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? This Baked Vegan Pesto Pasta is about to become your new obsession! Imagine a creamy, aromatic dish packed with vibrant flavors, crispy pine nuts, and a cheesy nutritional yeast coating that will have even non-vegans begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned vegan chef or just looking to explore plant-based cuisine, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-quality meal right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup vegan pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or using a non-stick spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot. Add the vegan pesto and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly, ensuring each strand is well-coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the pesto-coated pasta to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out in an even layer.
- Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes across the top of the pasta, distributing them evenly.
- Sprinkle the nutritional yeast over the pasta, creating a light, cheesy coating.
- Distribute the pine nuts across the surface of the dish for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become slightly crispy and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional nutritional yeast or fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like rotini, penne, or fusilli, to maximize flavor absorption.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Remember that the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so aim for al dente when boiling.
- Use High-Quality Vegan Pesto: The sauce is the star, so invest in a good store-bought vegan pesto or make your own for the best flavor.
- Toast Pine Nuts for Extra Flavor: Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet before adding them to enhance their nutty taste.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Check Oven Temperature: Every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on the pasta to prevent burning.
- Let It Rest: The 5-minute resting period is crucial for allowing flavors to meld and the dish to set properly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
