Nut-Free Pasta al Pesto
Savor the vibrant flavors of this Nut-Free Pasta al Pesto, a fresh and allergy-friendly twist on the Italian classic. This quick and easy recipe replaces traditional pine nuts with nutrient-rich sunflower seeds, creating a creamy pesto that's perfect for those avoiding nuts. Fresh basil, grated Parmesan, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice come together in a velvety sauce that clings to your favorite pasta for a meal that's both comforting and sophisticated. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or an elegant dinner at home. Garnish with extra Parmesan for a final touch, and enjoy a deliciously nut-free take on a beloved tradition.
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Ingredients
- 400 grams Pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup Sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Reserved pasta water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 2
Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, sunflower seeds, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
Step 4
With the processor running, slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice until the pesto becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 5
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6
In a large mixing bowl or directly in the pot used for cooking pasta, combine the cooked pasta with the nut-free pesto sauce.
Step 7
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until the pasta is well-coated and the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Step 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (748.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2196.7 |
| Total Fat 163.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 28.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 23.7g | |
| Cholesterol 40mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1867.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 145.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 5.5g | |
| Protein 55.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 584.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 966.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories