Indulge in this rich, creamy pesto pasta sauce—dairy-free, gluten-free, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Perfect over gluten-free pasta or paired with chicken, it’s a simple, wholesome dish the whole family will love!
1/4CupWalnutscan substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut free alternative.
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/4CupExtra Virgin Olive Oil
3Garlic Cloves
Gluten Free Dairy Free Cream Sauce
2TablespoonsDairy-Free ButterPlant butter or margarine
2TablespoonsGluten-Free Flour BlendI recommend King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Blend
1 1/2CupPlant-Based Milk of ChoiceI use gluten-free certified oat milk
8ouncesDairy-Free Cream CheeseMy favorite brand for this is "Follow Your Heart"
1/4teaspoonSalt
1/2teaspoon onion powder
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
1-3TablespoonsNutritional Yeastoptional
16OuncesCooked Gluten-Free Pastafollow the packaging instructions
Instructions
How to Make Homemade Dairy Free Pesto With Food Processor
(If using a pestle and mortar, see notes for instructions.)
Combine: Place the oil and walnuts in the food processor. 1/4 Cup Walnuts1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pulse: Pulse until the walnuts are finely chopped.
Add Salt: Add salt and garlic cloves, then pulse again briefly to combine. 3 Garlic Cloves1/2 teaspoon salt
Blend with Basil: Add the fresh basil leaves to the food processor. 2 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves
Blend: Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times.
You've now made homemade pesto, set it aside.
In a large stock pot, start cooking your gluten free pasta of choice following the package instructions. 16 Ounces Cooked Gluten-Free Pasta
Make the Creamy Pasta Sauce
Melt the Dairy Free Butter: In a medium sauce pan, melt the dairy-free butter over medium-high heat until fully melted. 2 Tablespoons Dairy-Free Butter
Make the Roux: Reduce the heat to medium heat, sprinkle in the gluten-free flour, and stir continuously. Cook the roux until it starts to bubble, then continue cooking for one more minute. 2 Tablespoons Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Add the Pesto and Seasonings: Stir in the pesto, salt, garlic powder and onion powder into the roux until well combined. 1/4 teaspoon Salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder1/2 teaspoon onion powder and optional 1-3 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
Incorporate Dairy-Free Milk: Gradually whisk in your dairy-free milk substitute, ensuring the mixture is smooth and fully combined. 1 1/2 Cup Plant-Based Milk of Choice
Cook: for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, and be careful not to burn the roux. The sauce should be gently bubbling.
Finish with Cream Cheese: Add the dairy-free cream cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and ready to serve. 8 ounces Dairy-Free Cream Cheese
Serve: Toss the sauce with your favorite cooked gluten-free, dairy-free pasta, following the package instructions for perfectly cooked noodles and enjoy!
Notes
Traditionally, pesto is made using a pestle and mortar. The advantage of this method is that the walnuts are ground into a smooth paste solely using their natural oils, without the addition of any other oils.
Place the walnuts in the pestle.
Use the mortar to grind the walnuts into a smooth paste.
Add salt to the walnut paste and mix well.
Gently pack the ground walnuts, salt, garlic cloves and fresh basil leaves into a quart-sized mason jar.
Pour in the extra virgin olive oil.
Use an immersion blender to blend all ingredients together until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
Alternatively: Short on time? You can skip making homemade pesto and grab a dairy-free version from stores like Trader Joe's. You'll need 1/2 cup of pesto for the recipe.Tip: This dairy-free creamy pesto pasta sauce is perfect for a 16-ounce box of pasta and a pound of cooked chicken, making a hearty, family-friendly dish.Not Dairy-Free but Gluten-Free?Simply swap the dairy-free ingredients for their regular dairy counterparts to enjoy this delicious gluten-free creamy pesto sauce!How Should I Store Leftovers?Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of dairy-free milk to adjust the consistency.Can I Make This Sauce Ahead of Time?Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring to restore its creamy texture.
What Pasta Works Best with This Sauce?This creamy pesto pairs wonderfully with gluten-free pasta like Jovial Gluten-Free Penne or spaghetti. Choose your favorite shape to suit the dish!Can I Make It Nut-Free?Yes, for a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of walnuts for the pesto. It still delivers a deliciously creamy and flavorful sauce.Can I Add Vegetables?Absolutely! Stir in roasted or steamed vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or broccoli for added color, flavor, and nutrition.