Walnut Pesto Pasta

What do you do when you’re craving a rich and creamy pasta with a particular summer-like sensation? It’s really a no-brainer. You make a beautiful green batch of our walnut pesto pasta, pronto! Fantastically fresh, vibrant, and as enjoyable for the eyes as it is for the stomach.

This dish is powered by our homemade walnut pesto recipe, which blends fragrant basil leaves with crumbly, nutty walnuts for an incredibly flavorful pesto sauce that’s out of this world! Pour in a splash of smooth, golden olive oil and a pound of your favorite pasta and you’ve got yourself a truly mouthwatering meal. You’ll not only impress your guests, but your taste buds as well!

Do you know why we think this pesto pasta recipe is so perfect for a luscious lunch or delightful dinner? Keep reading to find out more!

Why Does This Pesto Use Walnuts instead of Pine Nuts?

You might be skeptical about this recipe because it’s made with walnuts instead of pine nuts (which are traditionally used in pesto). We chose walnuts because they’re much less expensive than pine nuts (which can cost 4x or 5x more than other nuts). But guess what? This pesto tastes almost exactly the same as pesto made with pine nuts.

Don’t believe us? Just give it a try. We’ve served this to many pesto lovers and many non-vegans and it always gets rave reviews. Many people have shared that they actually like it better than their favorite pesto.

Essential Ingredients For The Walnut Pesto

As always, here are the must-needed ingredients for this walnut pesto pasta. We’ve provided easy substitutions where possible. If you’ve got everything you need, you can find the exact measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card below!

• Fresh basil – This fragrant herb gives your pesto its signature flavor. Make sure the leaves are bright green and fresh for the best taste.
• Raw walnuts – Walnuts bring a rich, slightly earthy flavor and a creamy texture when blended. Using them raw keeps the flavor mild and buttery, but you can toast them for a deeper, nuttier taste if you prefer.
• Garlic – Just a couple of cloves give the pesto a bold, savory kick. You can adjust to taste if you like it more or less garlicky.
• Olive oil – Acts as the base to help everything blend smoothly and gives the pesto its silky consistency. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
• Nutritional yeast – Adds a cheesy, umami depth that replaces traditional Parmesan in this dairy-free version. It’s a must-have for that classic pesto flavor, vegan-style.
• Pasta – Use your favorite kind here—spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or even a gluten-free variety all work beautifully. The pesto clings especially well to ridged or twisted shapes.

How To Make Walnut Pesto Pasta

Now that you know all the good things about walnuts and pesto, let’s dive in and see how easy it is to make!

Place all of the walnut pesto ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. That’s it!

Serve over your favorite pasta and top with chopped walnuts!

How To Serve Up Your Pasta

Pasta meals are usually pretty pleasant on their own, but there are ways to plump up the portions or pump up the already amazing flavor. Here are some of our favorite tips:

• Supersize With a Salad – Whether you’re looking to add more dark leafy greens or just bulk up your bowl, adding a side salad will give your meal much more fiber and a nice crunchy texture to your smooth pesto pasta.
• Go for Garlic Bread – Who can say no to garlic bread with pasta? Not us! Pasta never seems quite complete without a crusty chunk of soft bread and the sharp, savory smell of garlic. Don’t worry about your breath, we give you permission to eat as much as you want.
• Spice It Up – In our opinion, there’s always room for extra heat. Shake on some cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, or even a hint of hot sauce. Consider including some juicy slices of jalapeño or, if you’re hankering for something more serious, a handful of habaneros.
• Bulk It Up – Dinner feeling too light? Add some bulk to your meal with some sautéd vegetables. Thinly sliced red bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, or even red onions would increase the volume while adding a bit more color, too.

Simple Storage for Walnut Pesto Pasta

Any pasta leftovers can be placed in a covered container and placed in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 5 days. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water (or, better yet, more pesto sauce) to the mix, stir well, and cook until heated through. Either 1-2 minutes in the microwave or about 5 minutes over medium/low on the stovetop would work. Sprinkle on a few more chopped walnuts, if you wish.

Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 2 weeks if placed in an airtight, freezer-safe container. You can store them in glass containers or you can even use a Stasher bag for this––the mega bag size is so handy and you can reheat right in the bag itself!

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