Penne al Pesto

Penne al Pesto is a vibrant and aromatic vegan pasta dish featuring al dente penne coated in a fresh basil pesto, bursting with flavor and nutrition. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta - 160 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 60 ml
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - to taste
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams, halved (for garnish)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Blend the ingredients until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. If the pesto is too thick, add a little more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained penne with the prepared pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
6. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and additional black pepper if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from fresh basil, which can help reduce inflammation.
• Provides healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, beneficial for heart health.

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