Nut-Free Pesto Pasta
Savor the vibrant flavors of this Nut-Free Pesto Pasta, a deliciously light yet satisfying twist on the classic dish. This easy-to-make recipe swaps traditional pine nuts for sunflower seeds, creating a beautifully creamy and nut-allergy-friendly sauce without compromising on taste. Fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese blend effortlessly with zesty lemon juice and rich extra virgin olive oil, delivering a pesto that’s bursting with herby goodness. Tossed with perfectly al dente linguine and optionally topped with juicy cherry tomatoes for a pop of freshness, this quick 22-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Whether you're accommodating dietary needs or simply exploring new variations, this nut-free pesto pasta is sure to become a household favorite!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Linguine or preferred pasta
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup Sunflower seeds
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 2
Add the linguine or your preferred pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, sunflower seeds, and garlic cloves.
Step 4
Process the ingredients until they are finely chopped.
Step 5
While the processor is still running, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream. Continue processing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 6
Add fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the pesto, and process again to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 7
Toss the cooked and drained pasta with the prepared pesto in a large mixing bowl until the pasta is well coated.
Step 8
If using, toss in the cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness.
Step 9
Serve immediately, with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (792.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1929.6 |
| Total Fat 146.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 26.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 11.8g | |
| Cholesterol 40mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1875.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 126.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 14.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 10.3g | |
| Protein 46.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 573.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1104.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories