One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta (Vegan & Simple)
If you love flavorful, comforting meals that come together easily, this One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s rich, smooth, and infused with the fresh, herby flavor of pesto. Everything cooks together in a single pan, allowing the pasta to absorb all the aromatics and sauce while keeping cleanup to a minimum.
This recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or slow weekend meals when you want something homemade but effortless. Oat cream blends beautifully with vegan pesto to create a silky sauce, while cherry tomatoes and spinach add a burst of color and freshness. Garlic ties it all together for a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced.
If you’re looking for another easy one-pan pasta recipe, try the One-Pan Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a flavorful tomato-based twist using the same simple cooking method.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot recipe with minimal cleanup
- Full of flavor and ready in minutes
- Fresh, wholesome, and satisfying
- Great for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
- Easy to customize with your favorite greens or proteins
How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta
In a wide pan, place pasta nests in the center. Arrange cherry tomatoes on one side and spinach with basil on the other. Scatter sliced garlic on top.
Spoon pesto over the pasta and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if you like a little heat.
Add oat cream and vegetable stock until the pasta is mostly covered.
Cover with a lid and cook, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. Add more stock if needed.
When the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens, stir well to coat. Adjust seasoning and serve with fresh basil or vegan parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
This One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For added protein, top with baked tofu, roasted chickpeas, or sautéed tempeh.
Storage and Reheating
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a small splash of oat milk or vegetable broth to bring back the creaminess. Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs About One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta
Yes. Spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fusilli also work well. Adjust the amount of liquid slightly depending on the shape.
You can use soy cream, coconut cream, or blended cashew cream. Each provides a slightly different flavor but the same smooth texture.
Use an oil-free vegan pesto and skip any added oil. The flavors will still come together beautifully in the creamy sauce.
Add roasted chickpeas, tofu cubes, tempeh, or even cooked lentils to make the pasta more filling and balanced.
Yes. This One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta reheats well and maintains its flavor. Just add a splash of broth or plant milk before reheating to restore its creaminess.
Tips for Success
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook until just al dente for the best texture.
- Use high-quality pesto for vibrant flavor.
- Add extra basil or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta proves that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. The combination of tender pasta, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables makes it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for company.
If you enjoy creamy, plant-based pastas, you’ll also love the One-Pan Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta, a tomato-infused variation with the same one-pan convenience.
For more plant-based comfort food and easy weeknight recipes, visit Dr. Vegan and explore a growing collection of vibrant, nourishing dishes designed to make vegan cooking simple and enjoyable.
One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta
Equipment
- Large non-stick pot or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
Ingredients
- 250 g tagliatelle or fettuccine
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 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: chili flakes or vegan parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Layer ingredients in a wide pan– Add the pasta nests to the center. Arrange cherry tomatoes on one side and spinach (plus basil) on the other. Scatter over sliced garlic.
- Season and flavor– Spoon pesto onto the pasta. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and (optionally) chili flakes over everything.
- Pour in liquids– Add oat cream and vegetable stock until the pasta is mostly covered.
- Cook covered– Cover with a lid and cook over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. Add a splash more stock if needed.
- Create the sauce– Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, stir everything together so the pesto, cream, and tomato juices combine into a creamy sauce.
- Finish & serve– Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with a sprinkle of chili flakes or vegan parmesan.
We’re not vegan, and sub out for creamer and such, but your recipes are very legit. Thank you for sharing. You have a lot of recipes that are our favorites.
Thank you so much, that means a lot Anon! I’m really happy the recipes work for you even with your own substitutions. Cooking is all about adapting to your taste. Appreciate you being here!😃
LOVE THIS RECIPE….FANTASTIC SITE FOR EXCELLENT TASTING AND HEALTHY VEGAN RECIPES
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. CAN’T WAIT TO TRY ANOTHER…THINK IT WILL BE THE BURGERS!!!!!!
Thank you so much for the kind words Mae. I’m really happy you’re enjoying the recipes. The burgers are an awesome next pick and I think you’ll love them. Thanks for being here and cooking along!😊
Easy to make and soo tasty! Highly recommend!
Glad you liked it Emma😊
looks fantastic but video has peas, and recipe does not
Thanks for pointing out Tracy! will add to the blog recipe😊