Budget-friendly pasta with creamy sunflower seed pesto, fresh basil, and garlic. Ready in 30 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Pesto
01 - 1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
02 - 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
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 alternative
# 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, then drain pasta in a colander.
02 - While pasta cooks, toast sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.
03 - In a food processor, combine toasted sunflower seeds, fresh basil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until a coarse paste forms, scraping down the sides as needed.
04 - Add water and blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with additional water if needed to reach desired thickness.
05 - Return drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add pesto and cream, tossing gently to coat all pasta. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
