Budget-friendly Italian-inspired pasta with vibrant sunflower seed pesto, fresh basil, and a creamy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pesto
01 - 1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
02 - 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
03 - 2 cloves garlic
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1/4 cup water, plus more as needed
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pasta
10 - 14 oz dried pasta such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli
11 - Salt for pasta water
→ Creaminess
12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream or unsweetened plant-based cream
# Directions:
01 - 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 before draining.
02 - While pasta cooks, toast sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool slightly.
03 - 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.
04 - Add water and blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with additional water as needed to reach desired texture.
05 - Return drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add pesto and cream, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually until sauce reaches desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
06 - Transfer to serving plates immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
