Nut-Free Pesto Spaghetti
Brighten up your pasta night with this velvety Nut-Free Pesto Spaghetti, a flavorful twist on the classic Italian favorite that's perfect for anyone with nut allergies. Crafted with a vibrant blend of fresh basil and baby spinach, this recipe bursts with the earthy richness of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a hint of zesty lemon. The smooth pesto sauce clings beautifully to tender spaghetti, thanks to a clever use of reserved pasta water for the perfect creamy texture—no nuts needed! Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy, family-friendly dish is both allergy-conscious and deliciously satisfying. Top it off with extra Parmesan for a crowd-pleasing, restaurant-quality meal at home.
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
- 0 optional extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving
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 0.5 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Step 2
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, baby spinach leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
Step 3
Add the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4
In a large serving bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the nut-free pesto. Add the reserved pasta water gradually, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. The pasta should be well-coated with pesto, but not watery.
Step 5
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Step 6
Serve the nut-free pesto spaghetti immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 760.8 grams (760.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1944 |
| Total Fat 141.00g | 181% |
| Saturated Fat 35.00g | 175% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 10.60g | |
| Cholesterol 84mg | 28% |
| Sodium 2643mg | 115% |
| Total Carbohydrate 116.60g | 42% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.70g | 31% |
| Total Sugars 4.00g | |
| Protein 57.10g | 114% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1079mg | 83% |
| Iron 9mg | 48% |
| Potassium 512mg | 11% |
Source of Calories