Traditional Italian Vegetarian Pesto Pasta Recipes

Pesto pasta is a classic Italian dish that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. While traditional pesto often includes cheese and nuts, there are plenty of delicious vegetarian variations that cater to those who prefer a meatless option. Below are some mouthwatering traditional Italian vegetarian pesto pasta recipes that you can easily make at home.

1. Classic Basil Pesto Pasta

This traditional recipe highlights the freshness of basil and the richness of olive oil.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
    • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1/3 cup pine nuts
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for strict vegetarians)
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 400g pasta of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
  3. While blending, slowly add olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.
  4. Mix in Parmesan cheese if desired and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce and serve immediately.

2. Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta

This variation incorporates spinach for an added boost of nutrients and walnuts for a unique flavor.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
    • 1/2 cup walnuts
    • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor without dairy)
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1/2 cup olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 400g pasta of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
  2. In a food processor, combine spinach, walnuts, nutritional yeast, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
  3. Slowly add olive oil and blend until well mixed.
  4. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  5. Toss the pasta with the spinach walnut pesto and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

3. Arugula and Almond Pesto Pasta

This refreshing twist on classic pesto uses arugula, giving it a peppery taste that’s hard to resist.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 cups arugula
    • 1/2 cup toasted almonds
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 1/2 cup olive oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 400g pasta of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Boil the pasta until al dente and drain, saving some of the pasta water.
  2. In a food processor, mix arugula, almonds, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend until a paste forms.
  3. Gradually add olive oil while processing until smooth.
  4. If needed, add reserved pasta water for consistency.
  5. Toss the pasta with arugula pesto, season, and serve warm.

4. Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Pasta

This vibrant pesto is perfect for adding a smoky twist to your pasta dish.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
    • 1/4 cup almonds
    • 2 cloves garlic