Gluten-Free Penne Pasta with Pesto
Brighten up your dinner table with this Gluten-Free Penne Pasta with Pesto—a vibrant, health-conscious twist on a classic Italian favorite. Perfectly al dente gluten-free penne is delicately tossed in a fragrant basil pesto made from toasted pine nuts, fresh garlic, grated Parmesan, and a splash of zesty lemon juice for a lively, herbaceous punch. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds luscious creaminess, while sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes provide a pop of color and flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a quick and easy gluten-free meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for your next gathering. Serve warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a wholesome, satisfying pasta experience that everyone can enjoy!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces gluten-free penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cups pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and then set them aside to cool.
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth and emulsified. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and pesto. Toss to coat the pasta thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and gently fold them into the pasta just before serving.
Serve the Gluten-Free Penne Pasta with Pesto warm or at room temperature. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2081 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 152.8 g | 196% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.7 g | 134% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1871 mg | 81% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 164.6 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.9 g | ||
| Protein | 37.3 g | 75% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 562 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 899 mg | 19% | |
*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.
