Nut-Free Pasta with Pesto Sauce
Experience the vibrant flavors of this Nut-Free Pasta with Pesto Sauce, a creamy yet light dish that’s perfect for those with nut allergies or anyone seeking a fresh twist on a classic recipe. This simple, 25-minute meal features al dente pasta tossed in a luscious, homemade pesto sauce made from fragrant basil leaves, zesty lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and aromatic garlic—all blended to perfection with extra-virgin olive oil. The absence of nuts doesn’t compromise flavor; instead, it enhances the bold, herby essence that's beautifully balanced by a hint of citrus. Quick to prepare and richly satisfying, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Serve it topped with extra Parmesan for a delightful finishing touch.
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the nut-free pesto sauce.
Step 3
In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4
Blend the ingredients until they are coarsely combined.
Step 5
With the blender or food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 6
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
Step 7
Return the drained pasta to the pot and add the pesto sauce.
Step 8
Toss the pasta and pesto sauce together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Step 9
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (570.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1776.7 |
| Total Fat 135.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 25.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 40mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1867.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 111.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2.8g | |
| Protein 37.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 529.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 339.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories