Sunflower-Basil Pesto Tagliatelle for Two

Sunflower seed basil pesto and tagliatelle. A romantic and delicious dish for two. Garnish each serving with fresh, chopped herbs and additional Pecorino if desired.

Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
2
Yield:
2 servings
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Ingredients

Pesto:

  • 1 cup packed fresh basil

  • ½ cup fresh parsley

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds

  • 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese

  • 1 large lemon, juiced

  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

  • teaspoon sea salt

Pasta:

  • 8 ounces tagliatelle pasta

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • ½ medium yellow onion, diced

  • sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste

  • ¼ cup freshly grated Pecorino-Romano cheese, or to taste

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

  1. Combine basil, parsley, oil, sunflower seeds, Pecorino cheese, lemon juice, garlic, and salt for pesto in a food processor; process until desired texture is reached. Reserve 4 tablespoons pesto for pasta dish; save remaining pesto for another use.

  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, 9 to 10 minutes.

  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Add garlic and pepper flakes until things start bubbling and popping; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add onions, salt, and pepper, and continue to cook and stir for 4 minutes.

  4. Drain tagliatelle, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water; transfer pasta immediately into the skillet. Add 4 tablespoons pesto and reserved pasta water; toss everything together until pesto is evenly distributed.

  5. Remove from heat and toss together with Pecorino and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if desired.

Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of pesto. The actual amount of pesto consumed in this recipe is 4 tablespoons total.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

1207 Calories
81g Fat
100g Carbs
29g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 2
Calories 1207
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 81g 104%
Saturated Fat 14g 71%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 582mg 25%
Total Carbohydrate 100g 36%
Dietary Fiber 10g 35%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 29g 57%
Vitamin C 76mg 84%
Calcium 389mg 30%
Iron 10mg 56%
Potassium 675mg 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.