Nut-Free Tallarines Verdes

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Nut-Free Tallarines Verdes, a Peruvian-inspired pasta dish that’s perfect for those seeking a nut-free twist on the classic pesto. This creamy green sauce is brimming with fresh spinach and fragrant basil, blended with garlic, olive oil, and a combination of Parmesan and queso fresco (or feta for a tangy substitute) to create a luscious, nut-free alternative. Tossed with your favorite pasta and brightened with just the right balance of milk and seasonings, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Customize with a dairy-free option, if needed, and serve this comforting, herbaceous dish with an extra sprinkling of cheese for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Perfect for pasta lovers craving a unique yet familiar twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 cups Fresh spinach
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 whole Garlic cloves
• 1 cup Milk (or a dairy-free alternative, if needed)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup Queso fresco (or feta cheese, as a substitute)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 pound Pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 4 quarts Water (for boiling pasta)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine) according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2

In a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the garlic cloves for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat.

Step 3

In a blender, combine fresh spinach, basil leaves, sautéed garlic, milk, Parmesan cheese, queso fresco (or feta), the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 4

Transfer the green sauce to a large skillet or saucepan over low heat. Warm it gently, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, but do not let it boil to preserve the vibrant green color.

Step 5

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated, ensuring the sauce clings to every strand.

Step 6

Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	4851.4 grams (4851.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1877

Total Fat 96.90g	124%
Saturated Fat 40.70g	204%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 172mg	57%
Sodium 4692mg	204%
Total Carbohydrate 161.80g	59%
Dietary Fiber 11.70g	42%
Total Sugars 19.20g
Protein 90.30g	181%

Vitamin D 124IU	620%
Calcium 1964mg	151%
Iron 10mg	54%
Potassium 800mg	17%

*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: 46.4%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 34.4%