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!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:22 mins

Servings: 4

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	792.8 grams (792.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1930

Total Fat 146.40g	188%
Saturated Fat 26.60g	133%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.80g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 1876mg	82%
Total Carbohydrate 126.60g	46%
Dietary Fiber 14.20g	51%
Total Sugars 10.30g
Protein 46.30g	93%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 574mg	44%
Iron 5mg	27%
Potassium 1104mg	23%

*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: 65.6%

Protein: 9.2%

Carbs: 25.2%