Gluten-Free Penne Pasta with Pesto
Indulge in a vibrant and health-conscious twist on an Italian classic with this Gluten-Free Penne Pasta with Pesto recipe. Perfectly al dente gluten-free penne is coated in a velvety homemade pesto sauce, crafted with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of lemon for a zesty kick. This quick and easy dish, ready in just 30 minutes, is enhanced with bursts of sweetness from juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a flavorful, gluten-free pasta experience. Garnish with extra Parmesan for a touch of indulgence, and savor every bite of this creamy, herby masterpiece!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces gluten-free penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cups pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and then set them aside to cool.
Step 3
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
Step 4
With the food processor running, slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth and emulsified. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and pesto. Toss to coat the pasta thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
Step 6
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and gently fold them into the pasta just before serving.
Step 7
Serve the Gluten-Free Penne Pasta with Pesto warm or at room temperature. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (739.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2081.1 |
| Total Fat 152.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 26.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 11.5g | |
| Cholesterol 40mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1870.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 164.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 8.9g | |
| Protein 37.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 562.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 899.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories