Pasta is such a comforting meal and the sauces that you can create are endless. Basil is definitely a favourite herb of mine, however when looking for a pesto there are very few that are vegan – unless I want to drive for an hour or pay a ridiculous price for it. So I make my own in bulk and freeze down for when I want to make a pasta dish. This recipe is so simple and does not take long at all.

The great thing about this pasta dish is that you can swap the veggies with those that are your own favourite or produce that you need to use up. I hate wasting food so I find roasting or steaming up those veggies and tossing them through a pesto pasta is perfect – sometimes they are my best dinners!

For the pesto you will need to place in a food processor

• 1 large bunch of basil – stem removed
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (I use @braggs)
• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (@braggs)
• 4 tablespoons oil (sunflower/light EVO – nothing too strong. It will dominant the flavour)
• good pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon rind & juice
• 1 clove garlic

Blend the ingredients until combined add a little more oil if needed. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

For this pasta dish I cooked a packet of pasta (350g). After draining off the water stir through the basil pesto. I find it easier to mix through when the pasta is still warm.

Now cook some veggies. For this recipe I heated up a frypan with a little EVO and 2 tablespoons coconut sugar then added

• 1 sliced capsicum
• 3 large mushrooms sliced
• 1 sliced red onion

Cook for a few minutes then add to your pasta with a good handful of baby spinach.

Sometimes I add in some roasted diced sweet potato or pumpkin and steamed broccoli. Which is really yummy. What I love about this pasta is that you can use whatever veggies you have in your pantry or fridge.

My girls have also taken this to school in their lunchboxes – super easy and healthy for them! I know it is a winner when they fight over the leftovers!! I hope you and your family enjoy too.

Make sure you tag me in your own creations. Enjoy your day! Amanda xo