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Creamy Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

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4.3 from 29 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta is a simple and flavorful vegetarian dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Combining tender tagliatelle with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a rich, creamy pesto sauce made with oat cream, this recipe delivers comfort and elegance in a single pot, minimizing cleanup without sacrificing taste.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 250 g tagliatelle or fettuccine
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves

Flavorings and Sauce

  • 3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp green pesto
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup oat cream or other plant cream
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Chili flakes
  • Vegan parmesan

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Thinly slice the garlic cloves and halve the cherry tomatoes. Rinse the fresh spinach and basil leaves thoroughly, and set aside. Measure out the pasta, pesto, oat cream, and vegetable stock for easy assembly.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large pot over medium heat, add a small amount of oil or a splash of water and gently sauté the sliced garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. This will infuse the dish with a subtle garlic aroma.
  3. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the vegetable stock and oat cream, then stir in the Italian seasoning, pesto, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to blend together.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Add the tagliatelle or fettuccine directly into the pot, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for approximately 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to al dente and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Add Vegetables and Herbs: When the pasta is almost done, fold in the fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are warmed through.
  6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust salt, pepper, or pesto to your preference. Serve immediately, topping with optional chili flakes or vegan parmesan if desired for an extra kick or cheesy note.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free version.
  • Oat cream can be substituted with any plant-based cream like soy or almond cream for different flavors.
  • For added protein, consider tossing in chickpeas or cooked tofu cubes.
  • Adjust the amount of vegetable stock to control the creaminess of the sauce.
  • To make it spicier, add more chili flakes either during cooking or as a topping.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/creamy-pesto-pasta-with-cherry-tomatoes-and-spinach-recipe/