Basil Pesto Pasta With Vegetables Recipe Made Easy

There’s something undeniably magical about a fresh basil pesto pasta loaded with vibrant vegetables. This dish perfectly combines the aromatic punch of homemade basil pesto with the wholesome goodness of crisp, colorful veggies.

Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and brighten up your plate. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in more veggies while indulging in comforting pasta.

The combination of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan-infused pesto sauce with sautéed zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers creates a harmonious melody of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and nutritious.

In this post, I’ll guide you through every step to create this delicious basil pesto pasta with vegetables recipe, sharing tips and variations to make it your own. Let’s dive into a bowl of vibrant, herbaceous goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This basil pesto pasta with vegetables is a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques. Here’s why it stands out:

• Fresh & Flavorful: The basil pesto is made from scratch using fresh basil leaves, giving it a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that store-bought sauces just can’t match.
• Loaded with Vegetables: The addition of sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes provides a colorful, nutrient-rich boost that complements the creamy pesto sauce perfectly.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a fuss-free meal that’s still impressive.
• Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite veggies or proteins, making it versatile for any season or dietary preference.
• Vegetarian & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, healthy fats, and fiber, it’s a balanced meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Ingredients

• For the Basil Pesto:
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/3 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• For the Pasta and Vegetables:
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well)
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Equipment

• Food processor or blender (for pesto)
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Colander or pasta strainer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the Basil Pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times to roughly chop the ingredients.
2. Add Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy sauce. Scrape down the sides as needed. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. Set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Add Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they just begin to soften but retain their shape. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine Pasta and Pesto: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the basil pesto over the pasta and toss everything together. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
8. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto enhances their nutty flavor, making your pesto taste richer and more aromatic.

Here are some ways to customize this recipe:

• Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu to turn this into a more filling meal.
• Swap Nuts: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pine nuts for a different but still delicious pesto flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly pesto. For more no-dairy recipes, check out Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals.
• Vegetable Variations: Try adding roasted asparagus, spinach, or mushrooms depending on what’s in season or your preference.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or try a twist with a Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a kick.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This basil pesto pasta with vegetables pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and some crusty bread to soak up the leftover pesto sauce. For a light, refreshing side, consider serving it with a lemony arugula salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.

To keep the meal balanced, you can also add a light soup starter such as a minestrone or a chilled gazpacho. If you’re planning a more indulgent meal, a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the herbaceous notes of the pesto beautifully.

For more delicious pasta ideas, check out our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals.

Conclusion

This basil pesto pasta with vegetables recipe is a perfect example of how fresh, simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both nourishing and full of flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just beginning your culinary journey, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.

The delightful mix of vibrant veggies with the rich, aromatic pesto sauce makes this meal a satisfying option any day of the week. Plus, the flexibility of the recipe means you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand.

I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the burst of freshness and comfort it brings to your table.

For more wholesome vegetarian and vegan recipes, explore our collection like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals. Happy cooking!

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