Vegan Pasta al Pesto (Quick 15-Minute Recipe)

Gluten-free Morelli paccheri pasta tossed in creamy green ROI vegan pesto, garnished with cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, and fresh basil.

Looking for a quick, luxurious weeknight dinner? This authentic vegan pesto pasta recipe delivers pure Italian flavor in under 15 minutes with virtually zero prep time.

By combining premium artisan pantry staples—like Morelli Gluten-Free Corn and Rice Paccheri and high-grade ROI Vegan Basil Pesto—you can create a restaurant-quality meal in minutes without compromising on quality or authentic taste.

Quick Recipe Overview



Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2-3 portions
Dietary Profile: 100% Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free



Ingredients:
1 package of Morelli Rice & Corn Paccheri (Gluten-Free)
1 jar of ROI Vegan Basil Pesto
3 Tbsp of ROI Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
1 cup of Fresh Cherry Tomatoes, halved
2 Tbsp of Sliced Almonds (for topping)
Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish)
Coarse Sea Salt (for the pasta boiling water)
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Pesto Pasta Recipe with Ready-Made Pesto
  • Authentic Taste without the Fuss: Using a premium ready-made pesto like ROI Vegan Basil Pesto gives you the vibrant, herb-forward taste of classic pasta con pesto genovese without needing a food processor or mortar and pestle.
  • 100% Gluten-Free & Vegan: Made with Morelli Mais e Riso Paccheri, this dish offers a firm, satisfying al dente bite that pairs effortlessly with a dairy-free lifestyle.
  • Naturally Creamy Texture: The starches from the artisanal rice and corn pasta bind with high-quality ROI Extra Virgin Olive Oil and pesto, creating an irresistibly silky sauce without adding heavy cream.
Gluten-free Morelli paccheri pasta tossed in creamy green ROI vegan pesto, garnished with cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, and fresh basil.


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes & Boil Water


Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. While waiting for the water, wash and halve your fresh cherry tomatoes. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Gluten-Free Paccheri


Generously salt the boiling water. Drop in the Morelli Gluten-Free Rice and Corn Paccheri. Cook according to package directions until al dente (usually around 9–11 minutes).

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base


While the pasta cooks, open your jar of ROI Vegan Basil Pesto. Spoon 3–4 generous tablespoons into a large serving bowl.


Pro Tip: Never heat pesto directly on an open flame! High heat ruins the delicate aroma of basil and dulls its vibrant bright-green color. 

Step 4: Combine & Emulsify

Strain the cooked paccheri and transfer directly into the serving bowl with the pesto. Toss immediately with a wooden spoon so the pasta’s residual heat gently warms the pesto. Drizzle with a generous swirl of ROI Extra Virgin Olive Oil, mixing continuously until every piece of pasta is coated in a smooth, glossy green sauce.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes & Garnish


Fold in the sweet halved cherry tomatoes. Plate individual portions onto pasta bowls, then sprinkle toasted sliced almonds over top and add a fresh sprig of basil.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy


Drizzle a tiny bit more extra virgin olive oil right before serving. Pair with a chilled glass of Italian white wine (such as Vermentino or Pinot Grigio) and enjoy! 

Video Recipe

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