Pin It A deliciously creamy and budget-friendly pasta dish featuring a vibrant pesto made from sunflower seeds, fresh basil, and garlic, tossed with warm pasta for a comforting meal. This Italian-inspired main dish brings together earthy nuttiness and fresh herbs for a perfect 30-minute dinner.
Pin It Whether you are looking to save on groceries or simply try a new twist on a classic, this pesto pasta is a crowd-pleaser that proves simple ingredients can create gourmet results.
Ingredients
- Pesto: 1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds, 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed), 2 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup water (plus more as needed), 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) dried pasta (e.g., spaghetti, penne, fusilli), Salt (for pasta water)
- Creaminess: 1/2 cup heavy cream or unsweetened plant-based cream
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Step 2
- While pasta cooks, toast sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
- Step 3
- In a food processor, combine toasted sunflower seeds, basil, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until a coarse paste forms, scraping down sides as needed.
- Step 4
- Add water and blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more water if needed.
- Step 5
- Return drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add pesto and cream, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Step 6
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Toasting the sunflower seeds is a crucial step to unlock their nutty aroma. Be sure to keep an eye on them in the skillet as they can brown quickly. Also, using reserved pasta water is the secret to a silky sauce that coats the noodles perfectly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use a plant-based cream. You can also add extra nutrition by tossing in cooked peas, fresh spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes at the end.
Serviervorschläge
This pasta is best served immediately while warm. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan for a beautiful presentation. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Pin It Enjoy this comforting and vibrant Creamy Sunflower Seed Pesto Pasta as a satisfying vegetarian main dish that the whole family will love.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this pesto ahead of time?
Yes, the pesto can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add it to the warm pasta just before serving, adjusting the consistency with pasta water as needed.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Any pasta shape works well, but medium-sized shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Thinner pastas like spaghetti also pair nicely for a lighter coating.
- → How do I make this vegan?
Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast (same amount) and substitute heavy cream with unsweetened plant-based alternatives like oat or cashew cream. The pesto remains delicious and maintains its creamy texture.
- → Why toast the sunflower seeds first?
Toasting brings out the natural nutty flavor and enhances the depth of the pesto. It takes just 3-4 minutes and makes a noticeable difference in the final taste of your dish.
- → What vegetables can I add?
Fresh peas, sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or caramelized onions complement the pesto beautifully. Add cooked vegetables during the final tossing step to warm them through.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto instead?
Absolutely. Use 1 cup of store-bought basil or sunflower seed pesto as a time-saver, though homemade offers fresher flavor. Adjust the cream amount based on your pesto's consistency.