Quick 20-Minute Hemp Lemon Pesto Pasta Recipe

Looking for a quick, nutritious pasta dish? This hemp lemon pesto pasta delivers bright flavors and healthy ingredients in just 20 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.

Hemp Lemon Pesto Pasta Ingredients

To make this quick and nutritious hemp lemon pesto pasta, you’ll need:

For the Hemp Lemon Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta of choice (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Optional: additional hemp seeds and parmesan for garnish

Tools Used to Make Hemp Lemon Pesto Pasta

• Food processor or blender
• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microplane or zester for lemon
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or tongs for tossing pasta

How to Make Hemp Lemon Pesto Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, make the pesto. Add basil, hemp seeds, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to your food processor or blender.
3. Pulse several times until ingredients are roughly chopped. Scrape down the sides as needed.
4. With the processor running, slowly stream in olive oil until the mixture is smooth but still has some texture.
5. Add the parmesan cheese and pulse a few more times until incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Return drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add the hemp lemon pesto and toss to coat evenly. Add splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
7. Fold in halved cherry tomatoes and heat through for about 1 minute.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with additional hemp seeds, parmesan cheese, and a twist of fresh lemon.

Variations of Hemp Lemon Pesto Pasta

• Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken breast, pan-seared shrimp, or white beans for extra protein.
• Veggie-Loaded Option: Toss in sautéed zucchini, roasted bell peppers, or steamed broccoli for added nutrients and color.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan cheese and add an extra tablespoon of hemp seeds.
• Grain-Free Version: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a hint of heat.

Serving Hemp Lemon Pesto Pasta

This bright and zesty pasta dish is best served immediately while still warm. Transfer to bowls and top with a sprinkle of extra hemp seeds and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Add a final squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for maximum freshness.

For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. This hemp lemon pesto pasta also makes excellent leftovers – the flavors deepen overnight, though you may need to add a splash of olive oil when reheating.

Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve freshness for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are hemp seeds and are they legal? Hemp seeds are nutritious seeds from the hemp plant containing protein, healthy fats, and minerals. They’re completely legal as they contain negligible THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis).

Can I make this pesto ahead of time? Yes! The pesto can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.

Is this recipe vegan? The basic recipe contains parmesan cheese, but you can easily make it vegan by substituting nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative.

Can I freeze leftover pesto? Absolutely! Freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw individual portions as needed.

What can I substitute for hemp seeds? If you can’t find hemp seeds, try pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds instead. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This hemp lemon pesto pasta brings together simplicity and nutrition in one vibrant dish. Try it tonight and discover how delicious healthy eating can be! Share your creations on social media and tag us – we’d love to see your spin on this recipe.

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• Crispy Baja Fish Tacos Recipe
• Easy Mediterranean Steak Bowls
• Fresh Spring Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
• Homemade Cheese Bread Recipe
• Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe