Vegan Rocket and Walnut Pesto Pasta

To help you navigate your weekly shop for ‘Veganuary’, we’re delighted to present a recipe that perfectly blends efficiency with exquisite taste. This dish serves as a prime example of how delightful and conscious eating can be achieved, even when time is of the essence. Our streamlined approach ensures every component is ready in perfect synchronicity, optimising your time in the kitchen and delivering a complete, satisfying meal that aligns with your wellness goals and busy lifestyle.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 10 oz (280g) short-cut pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli)
• 3.5 oz (100g) fresh rocket
• 1.8 oz (50g) shelled walnuts
• 2 small cloves garlic
• 1.1 oz (30g) nutritional yeast flakes (optional, for a “cheesier” flavour)
• 2.7 fl oz (80ml) extra virgin olive oil
• Fine sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil, to garnish

Method

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto. Combine the rocket, walnuts, garlic cloves, nutritional yeast (if using), extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender.
3. Process the mixture until a smooth but slightly granular paste forms. If the pesto appears too thick, add one or two tablespoons of the pasta cooking water to loosen it.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a ladleful of the cooking water. Transfer the pasta back to the warm pot and immediately toss with the rocket and walnut pesto.
5. Stir well to thoroughly combine the sauce, adding a little more pasta water if necessary to achieve a more fluid consistency. Garnish with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and serve immediately.

Serving & Leftovers

This pasta is best enjoyed warm, straight from the hob. Should you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. We recommend adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before gently reheating to revitalise the flavour and texture.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Having a repertoire of reliable, swift weeknight recipes is invaluable. This vegan pasta shows that delicious, wholesome cooking needn’t be complicated or time-consuming. With a little organisation, satisfying meals are easily achievable. Embrace simple, balanced routines and stress-free cooking for your everyday wellness.