Nut-Free Classic Basil Pesto Pasta
Savor the fresh, vibrant flavors of this Nut-Free Classic Basil Pesto Pasta, a perfect twist on the beloved Italian recipe that’s safe for those with nut allergies. This quick and easy dish features a silky pesto sauce made with aromatic fresh basil, rich Parmesan cheese, zesty lemon juice, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil—no pine nuts required! Ready in just 30 minutes, the al dente pasta is coated in a creamy, herbaceous pesto that comes together effortlessly in a food processor. Ideal for weeknight dinners or a light, flavorful lunch, this nut-free pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser that doesn't skimp on taste. Garnish with extra Parmesan for an added touch, and let this easy pesto pasta recipe become your go-to for a fresh and delicious meal!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 12 ounces Pasta of choice
- 4 quarts Water
- 1 tablespoon Salt for pasta water
Directions
Step 1
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water.
Step 2
Add the pasta to the boiling water, stirring occasionally, and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 3
While the pasta cooks, prepare the nut-free pesto. In a food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 2 large garlic cloves, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 4
Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and pulse until the mixture is roughly chopped.
Step 5
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 0.5 cup of extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Step 6
Season the pesto with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper, adjusting to taste if necessary.
Step 7
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
Step 8
Return the pasta to the pot and add the pesto. Stir to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
Step 9
Serve the nut-free basil pesto pasta in bowls, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (4417.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1853.9 |
| Total Fat 147.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 33.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 80mg | 0% |
| Sodium 8499.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 92.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 6.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 3.5g | |
| Protein 51.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1206.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 295.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories