Nutrition Facts for Nut-free pasta al pesto

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.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100
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Image of Nut-Free Pasta al Pesto
Prep Time:15 mins
Cook Time:10 mins
Total Time:25 mins
Servings: 4

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 748.6 grams (748.6g)
Amount per serving % Daily Value*
Calories 2197
Total Fat 163.90g 210%
Saturated Fat 28.30g 142%
Polyunsaturated Fat 23.70g
Cholesterol 40mg 13%
Sodium 1868mg 81%
Total Carbohydrate 145.40g 53%
Dietary Fiber 16.80g 60%
Total Sugars 5.50g
Protein 55.00g 110%
Vitamin D 0IU 0%
Calcium 584mg 45%
Iron 8mg 44%
Potassium 966mg 21%
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.8%
Protein: 9.7%
Carbs: 25.5%