I have had a lot of reader feedback on that. So I thought a follow-up recipe showing how you can prepare this with the Instant Pot would be very helpful too. This Instant Pot Pesto pasta is vegan, nutritious, and made with homemade vegan pesto sauce. I agree to be sent email.
I call it a summer recipe because now is when you get the freshest looking basil and any greens for that matter. Basil and Kale are my top ingredients for the homemade pesto sauce that I am using for this recipe. A sumptuous serving of pasta paired with breadsticks and marinara sauce can be one filling lunch option for your entire family. If you are thinking about ways to incorporate greens in your kid’s diet or if you just need a dump and start an Instant Pot recipe, this one-pot pesto pasta is one good option for you. Your kids will not say no to the inviting aroma of basil and roasted pine nuts! If you are an avid gardener like me, with a lot of herbs in your backyard you will have fun working on this recipe! There’s something about homemade pesto that takes the flavor to the next level. But store-bought pesto works beautifully, too if you are tied up with work on a weekday. All you have to do is dump and start!
How to cook pasta in Instant Pot
Cooking pasta in an instant pot cannot be any easier. Just dump the pasta, add water, and cook for just half the time that is mentioned on the pasta box. If you prefer al-dente style then you’d slash the time by one more minute. Be sure to add 2.5 cups water for every 8- 9 oz of pasta, along with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and seal. When the timer expires, use the ‘Quick Release’ option before opening the lid. Add the pesto sauce to the same pot and mix well. That’s all there is to it unless you want to add accompaniments to pesto-like cherry tomatoes, spinach, roasted kale, or roasted broccoli. I hope you really try this with your own homemade version of Pesto sauce instead of a store-bought version. It can be a uniquely satisfying experience when you prepare it from the herbs in your garden, not to mention it can be substantially cheaper on your wallet too. I hope you try this out today and that you find your new favorite pasta dish here.
Tips and variations
I used penne but you could use any shaped pasta you like, including gluten-free pastaUse store-bought pesto sauce or prepare your own homemade pesto sauce. Check my special pesto recipe here.Add your favorite vegetables like peas, roasted broccoli, or roasted kale. The choice is yours. Another optional step is to add vegan cheese to the pasta to add flavor.
Related recipes
Vegan Kale Pesto RecipeInstant Pot Masala PastaSun-Dried Tomato PastaTikka Masala PastaVegan Creamy Mushroom PastaVegan Mac and cheese
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