Pesto Pasta

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This Pesto Pasta is a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh basil, sunflower seeds, and a squeeze of lemon, this pesto is vibrant, nutty, and easy to whip up in minutes.

Author: chloegoldenberg
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 45

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pesto:

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work well)
Salt for boiling water
Optional: Extra basil leaves and sunflower seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Pesto:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, sunflower seeds, and lemon juice. Pulse a few times to start breaking down the ingredients.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy pesto. Stop to scrape down the sides if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend again briefly to mix the seasoning evenly. Set the pesto aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Combine Pasta and Pesto:
- In a large bowl, toss the hot pasta with the prepared pesto. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if the mixture seems too thick, and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto.
- Adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
Serve:
- Serve the pesto pasta warm, garnished with extra basil leaves and sunflower seeds if desired.
Enjoy:
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil to bring it back to life.

Notes

Sunflower Seeds: These add a nutty flavor and are a great alternative to pine nuts traditionally used in pesto.
Lemon Juice: This adds brightness and balances the richness of the olive oil. Adjust to taste.
Pasta Water: This starchy water helps the pesto cling to the pasta and makes the sauce silky.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g

Find it online: https://meetthevegans.com/blog/back-to-school-lunch-box-ideas-part-2-healthy-easy-recipes-for-kids/