| Creamy Pesto Pasta Delight |
A refreshing summer pasta dish featuring homemade pesto made from... |
vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, grain free, quick meals |
{"title":"Creamy Pesto Pasta Delight","description":"A refreshing summer pasta dish featuring homemade pesto made from fresh greens and nuts. Customize it to be vegan or grain-free, and enjoy a quick meal that bursts with flavor.","full_ingredient_list":["1 cup basil","1 cup arugula","1 cup spinach","1\/4 cup pistachios","1 tbsp lemon zest","lemon juice","2 cloves garlic","1\/4 cup olive oil","1\/2 cup half & half or heavy cream","1\/2 lb short pasta (e.g., brown rice penne)","2 tbsp parmesan","salt & pepper"],"components":[{"name":"Pesto Sauce","ingredients":[{"name":"basil","quantity":"1 cup","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"arugula","quantity":"1 cup","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"spinach","quantity":"1 cup","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"pistachios","quantity":"1\/4 cup","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"lemon zest","quantity":"1 tbsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"lemon juice","quantity":"As needed","preparation_notes":"Squeeze fresh juice","substitutions":[]},{"name":"garlic","quantity":"2 cloves","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"olive oil","quantity":"1\/4 cup","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"parmesan","quantity":"2 tbsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":["Nutritional yeast"]},{"name":"salt & pepper","quantity":"To taste","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["Food processor"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"In a food processor, blend basil, arugula, spinach, pistachios, lemon zest, lemon juice, parmesan, garlic, olive oil, salt & pepper. Blend until smooth.","tips":"Process thoroughly for a smooth texture. It might take a few minutes."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Heat the pesto in a pan on medium low heat. When it starts to bubble, slowly add the cream and stir.","tips":"Adding cream slowly helps to integrate it without curdling."}]},{"name":"Pasta","ingredients":[{"name":"short pasta","quantity":"1\/2 lb","preparation_notes":"Cook according to package directions","substitutions":["Grain-free pasta"]},{"name":"pasta water","quantity":"1\/4 cup","preparation_notes":"Reserve after pasta is cooked","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["Saucepan"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.","tips":"Reserve a bit of cooking water to help emulsify the sauce."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Toss the cooked pasta in the pan with the prepared pesto sauce and add reserved pasta water. Stir well to coat evenly.","tips":"Use pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency."},{"step_number":3,"description":"Serve with additional parmesan if desired.","tips":"Top with fresh herbs or more parmesan for extra flavor."}]}],"prep_time":"10 minutes","cook_time":"10 minutes","total_time":"20 minutes","servings":"2 servings","tags":["vegan","vegetarian","dairy free","grain free","quick meals"],"notes":"This dish can be easily adapted to fit vegan or grain-free diets by choosing the appropriate milk and pasta options."} |
