This basil pesto stelline is the perfect easy spring pasta dish! This version is gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-optional!

Ever since Jovial came out with gluten free stelline, it’s slowly becoming my favorite pasta shape! It’s a tiny star shaped pasta that’s usually made in one of two ways… in a chicken and stars soup or in a creamy pasta dish with broth and lot’s of parmesan cheese. Both are amazing, but there’s so much more you can do with this little pasta!

You don’t have to leave stelline in the winter! This basil pesto stelline is the perfect way to keep using this fun pasta in the spring. It’s easy to make, and is the perfect side dish to serve with a protein like grilled chicken. Plus, this version is gluten-free, nut-free, and completely optional to add dairy.

Why you’ll love this Basil Pesto Stelline

• A great pasta for spring! The fresh basil gives the perfect fresh twist on pasta for warmer months.
• Stelline is such a fun pasta shape to cook with! I think it might be my favorite pasta shape and I love to make it in this creamy dish.

The Ingredients for Basil Pesto Stelline

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Garlic, Sea Salt, and Black Pepper. These ingredients blend together to make the basil pesto.
• Chicken Broth.
• Stelline Pasta. I like to use Jovial’s gluten-free stelline pasta.
• Grated Pecorino Cheese. Optional for topping. If you want to keep the recipe dairy-free, omit this. 

How to Make Basil Pesto Stelline

• Step One. Make the pesto and set aside.
• Step Two. Cook the stelline in chicken broth until the broth is absorbed and pasta is soft.
• Step Three. Stir in the pesto.
• Step Four. Serve with toppings of choice and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• Season to taste. The salt level will vary depending on the type of broth you use and whether or not you use cheese, so be sure to season to taste!
• Swap the parsley for arugula in the pesto. I love to use arugula for an extra peppery pesto! You may use less black pepper depending on how peppery your arugula is so be sure to taste your pesto. 

Can you make this recipe AIP?

• Omit the black pepper
• Swap the pecorino cheese for nutritional yeast
• Use Jovial cassava orzo instead of stelline. You may have to adjust the cook time, so check the pasta often.

You’ll also like…

• Avocado Pesto Pasta
• Spring Pasta Salad
• Strawberry Balsamic Pasta Salad

Basil Pesto Stelline {Gluten-free, Nut-free}

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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

• Author: Unbound Wellness
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Ingredients

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For the pesto 

• 1/3 cup parsley
• 1 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove of garlic, peeled and minced
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

 

For the stelline

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cup gluten-free stelline pasta
• Fresh cracked pepper
• 2 tsp olive oil
• Fresh basil and grated pecorino cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. To make the pesto, combine all of the ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until smooth. Season futher to taste & set aside.  
2. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring to a boil. Add the stelline, stir well, and reduce to a low simmer. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring often. The pasta should be soft and the broth should absorb.
3. Turn off the heat and remove the lid from the pot. Stir in the pesto and stir until fully incorporated and the pasta is coated.
4. Serve topped with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh pepper, and cheese if desired. 

Notes

All nutritional information are estimations and will vary. Estimations do not include optional ingredients.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Global

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 327
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 28.3g
• Fiber: 1.6g
• Protein: 6.2g