This recipe is my go-to comfort food when I need a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. It's also perfect for impressing guests, because honestly, who doesn't love pesto? I developed this recipe after one of my friends, who's gluten-free, asked me for a tasty pasta recipe that didn't involve complicated ingredients. She even brought the pasta she liked and we tweaked the pesto recipe until we were both jumping for joy.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to make. I used to think that making pesto from scratch was some kind of culinary black magic, but it's actually incredibly simple. Even if you've never cooked pasta before, you can master this! Just follow the step-by-step instructions, and you'll create a dish that is as tasty as it is beautiful. I assure you, it's worth every minute. Plus, you'll feel great knowing you made a wholesome meal that is delicious and healthy.
Required Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Gluten-Free-Pasta-with-Pesto
A simple and delicious recipe for gluten-free pasta with homemade pesto. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful dinner party.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First things first, we're going to cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Seriously, don't skimp on the salt; it seasons the pasta from the inside out! Once boiling, add your gluten-free pasta and cook according to package directions. Keep an eye on it—some gluten-free pastas cook faster than others.
- While the pasta is happily boiling away, let's whip up some seriously delicious pesto. In a food processor (or if you're old-school like me, a mortar and pestle – it's a great arm workout!), combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely chopped but not completely pureed; you want some texture!
- Next, with the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until you reach your desired consistency. Taste it – adjust salt and pepper if needed. Pesto should be bold, fresh, and bright! If it's a bit thick, add a touch more oil. Now, remember that perfect shade of green? That’s what we're aiming for here!
- Once your pasta is cooked al dente (meaning it still has a slight bite to it), drain it immediately and toss it with the pesto. Make sure every strand is coated in that gorgeous green goodness! Heat a large skillet over low heat, add the pasta and pesto, and cook for a minute or two, just to warm everything through and let the flavors meld. You really want the flavors to get friendly!
- For a final flourish, I love adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves right before serving. It adds a beautiful pop of color and a final flavor kick. You can also add some sundried tomatoes for a nice tangy twist. Feel free to get creative here. It’s your masterpiece!
- Serve immediately and enjoy! This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. And it's so satisfying to know you made something delicious and healthy from scratch... and it’s gluten-free, too!
📝 Notes
- Always use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh basil is key here!
- Adjust the amount of olive oil depending on your desired pesto consistency.
- If you're not a fan of pine nuts, you can substitute other nuts such as walnuts or cashews.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 500kcal
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 5g
Calcium: 100mg
