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.
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!
If you like this gluten-free pesto pasta recipe, you may also like these:
Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce from Scratch
9 of the Best Ever Gluten-Free Quinoa Flour Recipes
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PrintQuick 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}
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 8
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Pesto
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
- 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.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Mix together fresh pesto, warm pasta, and tomatoes until well combined
- 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
I’ve been looking for a good homemade pesto recipe. This will work great with a lot of the recipes I already have.
★★★★★