Dairy-Free Pesto Pasta
Experience the vibrant flavors of this Dairy-Free Pesto Pasta, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite! Perfect for those seeking a plant-based and gluten-free option, this recipe combines al dente gluten-free spaghetti with a creamy pesto sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, and a splash of zesty lemon juice. The absence of dairy is effortlessly replaced with the umami-rich depth of nutritional yeast, while the optional addition of sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes adds a delightful pop of color and freshness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal prep option. Garnish with extra basil and pine nuts for a beautiful and flavorful finishing touch!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces Gluten-free spaghetti
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1 quarter cup Pine nuts
- 3 whole Garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, add the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
Step 3
With the processor running, slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil and continue processing until the pesto is smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency.
Step 4
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust any other seasonings as preferred.
Step 5
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce, tossing well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 6
If using, halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the pasta for a burst of color and flavor.
Step 7
Serve the Dairy-Free Pesto Pasta warm, optionally garnished with additional pine nuts and fresh basil leaves.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (910.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2447.5 |
| Total Fat 208.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 23.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 46.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1200.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 142.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 14.2g | |
| Protein 34.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 140.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 12.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1770.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories