Nut-Free Spaghetti with Pesto
Say hello to a vibrant twist on a classic dish with this Nut-Free Spaghetti with Pesto recipe! Perfect for those with nut allergies or anyone seeking a fresh and flavorful pasta option, this dish swaps traditional pine nuts for nutrient-packed sunflower seeds. The creamy, basil-forward pesto is elevated with garlic, tangy lemon juice, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, giving it a cheesy, umami-rich depth—completely dairy-free! With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this quick and wholesome recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Tossed with al dente spaghetti and a touch of reserved pasta water for a silky finish, this nut-free pesto pasta is a crowd-pleaser that’s both allergy-friendly and packed with bold, satisfying flavors.
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Ingredients
- 400 grams Spaghetti
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons Sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the nut-free pesto. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3
Pulse the mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides of the food processor as needed. If the pesto is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and blend again until silky.
Step 4
Once the pasta is drained, return it to the pot or a large serving bowl. Pour the pesto over the warm spaghetti and toss to coat. If needed, add additional reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to loosen the sauce and ensure even coverage.
Step 5
Serve the Nut-Free Spaghetti with Pesto immediately. Optionally, garnish with additional basil leaves or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (688.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1530.8 |
| Total Fat 92.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 13.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 15.9g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1199.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 139.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 4.9g | |
| Protein 36.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 128.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 10.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 788.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories