Dairy-Free Penne Pasta with Pesto
Savor the irresistible flavors of Dairy-Free Penne Pasta with Pesto, a vibrant and wholesome dish perfect for plant-based enthusiasts or anyone avoiding dairy. This recipe features al dente penne pasta tossed in a creamy, homemade basil pesto made rich with nutritional yeast, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of nut milk—all without the need for traditional cheese. Toasted pine nuts and garlic add depth, while fresh basil infuses every bite with aromatic freshness. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy yet elegant meal ideal for weeknight dinners or dinner parties. Garnish with cracked black pepper or basil leaves for a restaurant-worthy finish. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a lighter alternative, this dairy-free pasta dish is guaranteed to delight! Perfect keywords: Dairy-Free Pesto, Vegan Pasta Recipe, Easy Dinner Ideas, Plant-Based Meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.333 cup raw pine nuts
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons nut milk (unsweetened, such as almond or cashew)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dairy-free pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse a few times to incorporate.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times.
Add the nut milk to the pesto and process briefly until just combined. This will help make the pesto creamy while maintaining its dairy-free nature.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Return the pasta to the pot, and add the pesto sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Serve the Dairy-Free Penne Pasta with Pesto immediately. For extra flavor, garnish with freshly cracked black pepper or additional basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2006 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 146.8 g | 188% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.0 g | 95% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1984 mg | 86% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 132.8 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.7 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 47.3 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 310 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1363 mg | 29% | |
*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.
