Easy Pasta Al Pesto (Linguine with Pesto)

This easy pasta al pesto is the perfect weeknight meal. All you need are a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes. Naturally vegan and gluten free.

📝 Ingredients

• 4 servings uncooked pasta (I've used linguine) ((around 12oz/340g))
• 3/4 cup cashews or pine nuts (see note below for substitution) ((90g))
• 2 packed cups fresh basil leaves, plus more to serve ((about 50g))
• 2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 8 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 1/2-2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Bring a large pot of water (salted) to a boil. Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions (usually 7-10 minutes). Drain when al dente and return to pot to keep warm.
2. 2While pasta is cooking, add cashews to a food processor or blender and process until fine.
3. 3Add basil, crushed garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and process until combined but still slightly chunky. (If using a blender, the texture will be more of a smooth paste.) Adjust seasoning if needed.
4. 4Add pesto to warm pasta and toss to combine. Serve with additional basil leaves, or cherry tomatoes if desired.