Gluten-Free Classic Basil Pesto Pasta
Transform your pasta night with this Gluten-Free Classic Basil Pesto Pasta, a vibrant and wholesome twist on an Italian favorite. This dish features tender gluten-free pasta, such as quinoa or rice pasta, tossed in a silky, homemade basil pesto sauce brimming with fresh, aromatic flavors. Crafted from fragrant basil leaves, creamy pine nuts, zesty lemon juice, and a generous helping of Parmesan cheese, this pesto is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe pairs convenience with elegance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve it with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a delightful finishing touch, and enjoy a comforting, gluten-free meal the entire family will love.
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces Gluten-free pasta (such as quinoa or rice pasta)
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves, packed
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cup Olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Directions
Step 1
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
Step 2
Add the gluten-free pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Generally, it takes about 8-10 minutes.
Step 3
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
Step 4
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the processor. Pulse to combine.
Step 5
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 6
Add the tablespoon of lemon juice and pulse to combine. Taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 7
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Step 8
Add the prepared basil pesto to the pasta, stirring gently to coat. If the pesto sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until reaching desired consistency.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1120.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2196.4 |
| Total Fat 169.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 37.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 22.1g | |
| Cholesterol 75.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2882.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 111.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 4.0g | |
| Protein 69.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 23.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2671.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 32.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2374.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories