This gluten-free pesto pasta recipe is a healthy twist of one of your favorite comfort foods and is so quick to make but full of flavor.

The other day, while grocery shopping, I came across a fabulous deal on fresh basil.  It was one of those deals that made me take a second look to make sure I wasn’t seeing things…am I missing a second zero in that price tag? :-).

I obviously had to buy it, and all I could think of was fresh pesto.  From that moment on, it seriously consumed my thoughts – it sounded so GOOD!  Am I the only one out there that lets food consume my thoughts more often than is probably normal?

Anyway, I got home and got started on my pesto recipe – forget waiting for dinner. I was hungry and knew I could only be satisfied with fresh pesto.  I was also anxious to come up with my own recipe since most pestos that I taste are way too oil-heavy for my preferences and store-bought pesto is heavy in canola or vegetable oil – – ummm, no thanks.

MY OTHER RECIPES

I also wanted a little bit different flavor.  Rather than pine nuts,  I thought, why not try walnuts?  Wow, am I glad I did.  I like the walnut version of pesto much better than the pine nut version.  It was a milder flavor that “fit” really well. Plus, walnuts are easier to find in the store.

After a little bit of experimenting and a lot of taste testing, I think I got this recipe just right.  I mixed the entire recipe with 12 ounces of brown rice noodles, 1 pint of grape tomatoes, and sprinkled some cheese and walnuts on top.

It was the tastiest and healthiest plate of comfort food I have had in a long long time.  I also added some grilled chicken to make it a complete meal, and it kept me satisfied all afternoon (no 3 pm hunger)…Mission pesto comfort food craving = satisfied!

Note:  This recipe includes Pecorino Romano cheese, which is a sheep cheese.  I like using sheep or goat cheeses because they are easier to digest than cow dairy cheese.  However, parmesan cheese works as a substitute, or you can leave it out completely for a Vegan-friendly pesto – it still tastes fabulous!

I would love to know if you try this recipe and what ingredients you end up using. Please comment below!

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Quick Gluten-Free Pesto Pasta Recipe {Clean Eating}

This gluten-free pesto pasta recipe is a healthy twist of one of your favorite comfort foods and is so quick to make but full of flavor. {Clean Eating}

• Author: Gluten Free Daddy
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Yield: 8
• Category: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Pesto

• 1/3 cup walnuts
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 2 Tbsp garlic (2-3 cloves)
• 1/3 cup shredded pecorino romano
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces gluten-free pasta of choice (I used brown rice pasta)
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 3 Tbsp walnuts, chopped
• Basil and shredded pecorino romano cheese for garnish

For Serving

• 1 cup cooked chicken, optional

Instructions

1. Combine all of the pesto ingredients together in a food processor and process until desired consistency is reached – add water, 1 Tbsp at a time if thinner pesto is desired.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. Mix together fresh pesto, warm pasta, and tomatoes until well combined
4. Top with shredded cheese, chopped walnuts, fresh basil and chicken, if desired.

Notes

Parmesan cheese can be substituted for pecorino romano – or the cheese can be left out completely

Keywords: Pesto, Gluten-Free Pasta, Quick, Pesto Pasta

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