Dairy-Free Pasta with Pesto Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant Dairy-Free Pasta with Pesto Sauce, a perfect option for plant-based and gluten-free eaters. Featuring a creamy, dairy-free pesto made with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and nutritional yeast, this recipe delivers bold flavor without the use of cheese. Quick and easy to prepare, the al dente gluten-free pasta is tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and tender baby spinach for a satisfying, colorful meal packed with nutrients. The zesty lemon juice and aromatic garlic in the pesto complement every bite, while the olive oil adds a luscious finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this healthy dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for busy lifestyles.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Gluten-free pasta
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.33 cup Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups Baby spinach
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the gluten-free pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil through the feed tube and process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach. Toss until the pasta is well coated and the spinach is slightly wilted.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1642 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 101.1 g | 130% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 19.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1266 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 155.4 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.2 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g | ||
| Protein | 29.5 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 160 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 1152 mg | 25% | |
*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.
