Dairy-Free Penne Pasta with Pesto
Experience the vibrant flavors of this Dairy-Free Penne Pasta with Pesto, a creamy and wholesome alternative to traditional pesto pasta! Made with tender penne and a rich, velvety sauce crafted from fresh basil, raw pine nuts, and nutritional yeast, this recipe offers a plant-based twist on a beloved classic. A hint of fresh lemon juice and a touch of unsweetened nut milk add brightness and creaminess without the need for dairy, making it perfect for vegans or anyone seeking a lighter pasta option. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy dinner is ideal for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining. Serve it with a sprinkle of black pepper and extra basil for the ultimate dairy-free comfort meal.
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.333 cup raw pine nuts
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons nut milk (unsweetened, such as almond or cashew)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Step 2
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes.
Step 3
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dairy-free pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
Step 4
Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse a few times to incorporate.
Step 5
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times.
Step 6
Add the nut milk to the pesto and process briefly until just combined. This will help make the pesto creamy while maintaining its dairy-free nature.
Step 7
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Step 8
Return the pasta to the pot, and add the pesto sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Step 9
Serve the Dairy-Free Penne Pasta with Pesto immediately. For extra flavor, garnish with freshly cracked black pepper or additional basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (620.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2610.0 |
| Total Fat 151.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 19.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 10.6g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2393.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 267.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 17.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2.4g | |
| Protein 54.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 12.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 148.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 17.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1308.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories