Dairy-Free Pasta with Pesto and Cheese
Savor the comforting flavors of this Dairy-Free Pasta with Pesto and Cheese, a plant-based twist on a classic favorite! Featuring hearty dairy-free pasta, such as brown rice or chickpea pasta, tossed in a vibrant homemade basil pesto made with pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and zesty lemon juice, this recipe is a gluten-free and vegan-friendly delight. Each bite is generously coated in a creamy, dairy-free mozzarella cheese that melts beautifully, creating a luscious texture without any compromise on flavor. Optional bursts of sweetness from halved cherry tomatoes balance the dish perfectly, while the recipe’s quick 30-minute prep and cooking time make it an ideal weeknight dinner solution. Indulge in this flavor-packed, dairy-free meal that’s rich in nutrients and perfect for pesto lovers everywhere!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Dairy-free pasta (such as brown rice or chickpea pasta)
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.33 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Dairy-free mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dairy-free pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, minced garlic, and nutritional yeast. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
Step 3
Add the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Blend until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning according to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto. Stir to coat the pasta evenly, adding a couple of tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to help the pesto adhere.
Step 5
Add the dairy-free mozzarella cheese and mix until the cheese starts to melt slightly, integrating with the pesto.
Step 6
If using, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes for a fresh bite.
Step 7
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your dairy-free pasta with pesto and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (718.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2364.1 |
| Total Fat 126.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 25.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 11.5g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1555.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 261.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 23.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 17.6g | |
| Protein 54.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 506.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 16.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2044.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories