Hazelnut Cilantro Pasta Sauce
Elevate your pasta nights with this vibrant and creamy Hazelnut Cilantro Pasta Sauce—a unique spin on traditional pesto that’s bursting with fresh flavor. Toasted hazelnuts bring a rich, nutty depth, perfectly balanced by the zesty brightness of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Parmesan cheese and extra virgin olive oil add a luxurious, velvety texture, while a hint of garlic lends a savory kick. Ready in just 15 minutes, this sauce is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for dinner parties. Toss it with your favorite pasta, and garnish with extra Parmesan for a hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to delight. Ideal for those looking for quick, creative pasta recipes with wholesome ingredients!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.25 cup water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the hazelnuts and toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn them.
Transfer the toasted hazelnuts to a clean kitchen towel. While they are still warm, rub them gently in the towel to remove the skins (it’s okay if a few bits of skin remain). Set aside.
In a food processor or blender, combine the toasted hazelnuts, fresh cilantro, garlic cloves, and parmesan cheese.
Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and resembles a coarse paste.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Add the lemon juice, water, salt, and black pepper, and blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Transfer the sauce to a bowl and toss with cooked pasta of your choice. Garnish with additional parmesan and cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1947 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 201.3 g | 258% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.3 g | 127% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 22 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 1352 mg | 59% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 29.9 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.3 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.6 g | ||
| Protein | 28.2 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 446 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 7.8 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 142 mg | 3% | |
*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.
