This Easy Vegan Pesto Pasta is an absolute game-changer for weeknight meals! One of those healthy recipes that is also ridiculously quick, packed with flavour, and so much healthier than you might expect. We’re talking perfectly al dente pasta coated in a vibrant, creamy pesto sauce, studded with crispy vegan bacon bits, and bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes. What’s not to love?
😋 Why you’ll love this recipe!
- It’s Ridiculously Quick: Seriously, this is one of those simple recipes that comes together in minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Super Easy to Make: Even if you haven’t prepped the pesto and vegan bacon ahead of time, it’s still a breeze to whip up.
- Packed with Flavour: The combination of pesto, crispy vegan bacon, and juicy cherry tomatoes is an absolute flavour explosion!
- A Healthier Twist on a Classic: You get all the deliciousness of bacon pesto pasta without the guilt.
📝 Ingredient notes
Pesto (250g): Use my delicious Spinach Pesto recipe, your own homemade pesto, or even a store-bought version. Just make sure it’s good quality, olive oil based pesto, like mine is, for that authentic flavour.
Vegan Bacon (250g): My crispy Tofu Bacon Bits are perfect here, or use some seitan bacon. But, feel free to use your favourite vegan bacon recipe. Even store-bought works in a pinch!
Cherry Tomatoes (150g): These sweet little bursts of flavour add a lovely †freshness to the pasta.
2 Garlic Cloves & An Onion : Because everything’s better with garlic, right? And the onion, it adds a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Pasta (160g): Any pasta shape you like.
Olive Oil (1/2 tbsp): A good quality olive oil is essential for sautéing the veggies and adding richness to the dish.
🥣 How to make this Vegan Bacon Pesto Pasta
- Prep the Pesto and vegan Bacon: If you’ve already got the pesto and vegan bacon made, this is super quick and easy! Even if not, it still doesn’t take long. This recipe uses two portions of my Spinach Pesto and some Tofu Bacon Bits, but you can swap the tofu bacon for Seitan Bacon if you prefer, or even use your own or store bought versions. Either way, you’ll want them to be nice and crispy bacon bits.
- Cook the Pasta Almost Al Dente: Get a large pot of salted water boiling and cook your pasta for a minute or two less than the package instructions. We want it nicely al dente so it can finish cooking in the pesto sauce. Be sure to save about a cup of the starchy pasta water – we’ll need it later for the perfect creamy sauce consistency.
- Chop the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop your onion into thin half-moons and mince the garlic. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside for now.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it softens and takes on a bit of colour. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another few minutes until fragrant.
- Combine and Finish: Add the pesto to the pan and loosen it up with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir in your vegan bacon bits, the cooked pasta, and the halved cherry tomatoes. Give everything a good mix. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately, sprinkled with some vegan parmesan cheese if you fancy.
🎨 Potential variations
- Pasta Salad Twist: This recipe can easily be transformed into a refreshing vegan bacon pesto pasta salad. Simply chill the pasta after cooking and toss with the other ingredients. Add some extra veggies for a heartier salad.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce and finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Veggie Boost: Feel free to add other veggies to the mix, such as sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
🤔 Frequently asked questions
Can I use a different type of pesto?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your own pesto recipe, or even a store-bought version.
What kind of vegan bacon should I use?
My Tofu Bacon Bits work perfectly in this recipe so would these, but you can use any vegan bacon you like! Even store-bought bacon bits are fine.
Can I add different veggies to this pasta?
Yes! You can toss in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach – whatever you fancy!
Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Definitely! Pesto can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for several days. It even freezes well, if you want to make a big batch. If using my spinach pesto, and you have a food processor it’s very easy and super quick.
How do I store leftover pasta?
Store leftover vegan pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen the sauce if needed. It keeps really well, so is a great meal for meal prep
What’s the best way to achieve an al dente texture for my pasta?
Cooking pasta a little less than instructed on the packets and then adding it to the pan, this allows the pasta to achieve the perfect al dente bit e and soak up the lovely pesto.
If you try this recipe, let me know what you think!
Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a picture @theseveggiedelights on Instagram!
Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe With Crispy Vegan Bacon
Ingredients
- 250 g Pesto
- 250 g Vegan Bacon Bits
- 150 g Cherry Tomatos
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Whole Onion
- 160 g Pasta
- 1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta *al dente*, reserving pasta water.
- Sauté Veggies: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Combine Ingredients: Add pesto, pasta water, vegan bacon, pasta, and tomatoes. Mix well.
- Serve: Serve immediately with vegan parmesan (optional).
Notes
- Use your favourite type of pasta.
- For best results, use homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto and vegan bacon.
- Adjust pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.