Nut-Free Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and creamy Nut-Free Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce! Perfect for those with nut allergies, this dish swaps traditional pine nuts for nutrient-packed pumpkin seeds, giving the pesto a delightful twist. Fresh basil, Parmesan, and a hint of zesty lemon brighten the sauce, while juicy cherry tomatoes and tender baby spinach add bursts of color and flavor to the dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is versatile enough to be served warm or as a chilled pasta salad for meal prep or a potluck. Bursting with fresh ingredients and simple to prepare, it’s a nut-free, family-friendly dinner that’s sure to impress.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta
- 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 cup Pumpkin Seeds
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 2 cloves Garlic Cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 cup Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- 2 cups Baby Spinach Leaves
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pumpkin seeds, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and lemon juice. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set them aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained pasta, freshly made pesto sauce, halved cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach leaves.
Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the pesto and the vegetables are evenly distributed.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a cold pasta salad option. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese before serving, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4518 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 329.1 g | 422% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.0 g | 330% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 49.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 89 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 3093 mg | 134% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 292.1 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.8 g | 89% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.8 g | ||
| Protein | 121.9 g | 244% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1164 mg | 90% | |
| Iron | 20.6 mg | 114% | |
| Potassium | 2318 mg | 49% | |
*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.
