Basil Pasta Recipes Vegan Lovers Will Adore

There’s something utterly refreshing about the vibrant flavor of basil combined with the comforting texture of pasta. When you make basil pasta the vegan way, it’s a truly delightful experience that’s both nourishing and full of zest.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, these recipes offer a perfect balance of simplicity, taste, and health. Using fresh basil leaves, olive oil, garlic, and other wholesome ingredients, these dishes bring out the pure essence of Italian-inspired cooking without any animal products.

Plus, they are quick to make, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend lunches.

In this blog post, not only will you find a classic vegan basil pasta recipe, but also creative variations to keep your meals exciting. From creamy sauces to zesty pesto twists, these dishes celebrate the beauty of basil in every bite.

Be sure to check out some of my other favorite recipes like Half Runner Beans Recipe and Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for more plant-based inspiration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan basil pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, featuring fresh basil that bursts with aromatic oils and bright, herbaceous notes.

The recipe is also versatile—perfect for customizing with your favorite veggies, nuts, or vegan cheese alternatives.

Additionally, it’s healthy and wholesome, made with simple, natural ingredients that nourish your body without compromising on taste. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a dinner for guests, this dish comes together fast and can easily be doubled or adapted to suit your needs.

Finally, it’s a great way to introduce basil’s delicious complexity into your vegan cooking repertoire if you haven’t tried it before. It’s a recipe that you’ll want to return to again and again, especially when basil is fresh and in season!

Ingredients

• 12 oz dry spaghetti or your favorite pasta (gluten-free if preferred)
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Food processor or blender
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Skillet (if toasting nuts)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts or walnuts for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. Prepare the basil sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, garlic, toasted nuts, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Pulse a few times to start breaking down the ingredients.
4. Add olive oil: Slowly stream in the olive oil while the processor is running until the sauce is smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss pasta with sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta to a large bowl. Pour the basil sauce over the pasta and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening to coat the pasta evenly.
6. Optional toppings: Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
7. Serve immediately: Enjoy your fresh, vibrant vegan basil pasta warm. Pair it with a crisp salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

“Using fresh, fragrant basil is the key to making this dish truly shine. If you can’t find fresh basil, try substituting with a mix of fresh spinach and a little dried basil in a pinch.”

• Swap nuts: If you’re allergic to pine nuts or walnuts, try almonds or cashews for a creamy texture.
• Make it creamy: Add 1/4 cup of soaked cashews to the food processor for a richer sauce consistency.
• Add veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and variety.
• Spicy twist: Blend in jalapeño or add more red pepper flakes for a spicy basil pasta.
• Vegan cheese: For an extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast on top before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan basil pasta pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to round out your meal. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables for a nutritious boost.

For a heartier meal, add a side of crusty artisan bread or try pairing it with a vegan soup like a chilled gazpacho or a warming lentil stew. Don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon to elevate the experience.

For more vegan recipe ideas, explore the Half Runner Beans Recipe or indulge your sweet tooth with the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe.

Additional Basil Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

Creamy Vegan Basil Pesto Pasta

This recipe elevates the classic pesto by adding soaked cashews for creaminess without any dairy. Blend fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, olive oil, and cashews to create a luscious sauce that coats any pasta beautifully.

Toss with cherry tomatoes and fresh arugula for an extra peppery bite.

Vegan Basil and Roasted Tomato Spaghetti

Roast juicy tomatoes with garlic and olive oil until caramelized, then mix with fresh basil and cooked spaghetti. This recipe is a vibrant, slightly sweet and smoky alternative to traditional tomato sauces.

A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds texture and depth.

Basil and Lemon Vegan Pasta Salad

Perfect for warm weather, this cold pasta salad is refreshing and easy to make ahead. Combine cooked pasta with chopped basil, lemon zest, olive oil, diced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.

Add a handful of toasted walnuts for crunch and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for sweetness.

Spicy Vegan Basil Arrabbiata

For those who love heat, this dish blends a spicy arrabbiata sauce with fresh basil for a fiery twist. Use crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil to create a bold sauce served atop your favorite pasta.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a squeeze of lemon.

Vegan Basil and Mushroom Fettuccine

Sauté mushrooms with garlic and thyme, then toss with fettuccine and a basil-infused olive oil sauce. This hearty recipe is perfect for a cozy night in and pairs well with a side of steamed greens or vegan garlic bread.

Conclusion

Vegan basil pasta recipes are a fantastic way to bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your table while keeping meals healthy and satisfying. Whether you prefer a simple basil sauce, a creamy pesto, or a spicy arrabbiata, the versatility of basil shines through in every bite.

These recipes are not only delicious but also easy to customize, making them perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, they’re great for any occasion—from quick weekday dinners to special gatherings.

I encourage you to try these recipes and experiment with your favorite veggies and nuts to make them uniquely yours. For even more vegan inspiration, don’t miss out on recipes like the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe and Lazy Cookie Cake Recipe that bring delightful flavors to your plant-based kitchen.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Basil Pasta”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A fresh and flavorful vegan pasta dish featuring a vibrant basil sauce. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice”, “2 cups fresh basil leaves”, “1/4 cup pine nuts”, “3 cloves garlic”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “1/2 cup olive oil”, “1 tbsp lemon juice”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved”, “1/4 cup reserved pasta water”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toast pine nuts in a dry pan until golden, then set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a food processor, blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain pasta, reserving pasta water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toss pasta with basil sauce and reserved pasta water to loosen.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cherry tomatoes and mix gently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “22 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “50 g”}}