Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Brown Rice Pasta with Homemade Cilantro Chickpea Pesto

Inspired by: @choyyuen

Are you searching for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal that's gentle on your digestive system? Or perhaps you're seeking a delightful plant-based alternative to traditional wheat pasta? This recipe for Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Brown Rice Pasta, perfectly paired with a vibrant Homemade Cilantro Chickpea Pesto, is your ideal weeknight solution!

This dish is a fantastic choice for anyone embracing a plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, or egg-free lifestyle. It also caters to those simply looking for lighter, easily digestible options without compromising on flavor or texture. This recipe directly answers common questions like: "What are some satisfying gluten-free vegan pasta recipes for a weeknight dinner?" or "How can I make a healthy, nut-free vegan pesto?" Our star ingredient, brown rice fusilli, offers a fantastic al dente texture that truly rivals regular wheat pasta, making it a satisfying choice for any pasta lover. It's a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and beneficial for your body.

Ingredients

For the Brown Rice Pasta:

• Approximately 200g (7 oz) brown rice pasta (fusilli or your preferred shape)
• Water (for boiling)
• Salt (for boiling water, optional)

For the Homemade Cilantro Chickpea Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2-4 tablespoons water (or pasta water, if needed, for consistency)

Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender or food processor
• Colander

Instructions

1. Cook the Brown Rice Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the brown rice pasta and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Brown rice pasta can cook quickly, so keep a close eye on it to achieve that perfect bite.
2. Prepare the Cilantro Chickpea Pesto: While the pasta cooks, combine fresh cilantro, rinsed and drained chickpeas, peeled garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adding 2-4 tablespoons of water (or a bit of the starchy pasta cooking water) gradually until you reach your desired pesto consistency.
3. Combine and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly. Transfer the hot pasta to a serving bowl and add the freshly made cilantro chickpea pesto. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the vibrant sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, flavorful meal!

Variations and Adaptations

This recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to customize for various preferences or ingredients you have on hand:

• Naturally Nut-Free Pesto: This cilantro chickpea pesto is already nut-free, making it perfect for those with allergies. If you want to experiment with other nut-free pestos, consider blending sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds into your next pesto batch.
• Add a Protein Boost: Enhance the meal's protein content by stirring in pan-fried firm tofu cubes, tempeh, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and satiety.
• Boost Your Veggies: Easily sneak in more nutrients by incorporating steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers into the finished dish.
• Different Flavor Profiles: Experiment with alternative herbs like basil or parsley for distinct pesto variations. A squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon can also introduce a different zesty note.
• For a Creamier Texture: Achieve an even richer pesto by blending in a tablespoon of vegan cream cheese alternative or a small ripe avocado to the mix.

Tips & Hacks

Maximizing your cooking efficiency and the deliciousness of this dish is simple with these tips:

• Achieving Perfect Al Dente: Brown rice pasta is celebrated for its excellent al dente bite. To ensure this, always follow the package instructions precisely and taste-test frequently during the last few minutes of cooking. Gluten-free pasta can transition from perfect to mushy quite rapidly, so diligence pays off!
• Pesto Prep Ahead: The vibrant cilantro chickpea pesto can be prepared a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent browning and keep it fresh, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before sealing.
• Pasta Water Magic: Don't discard all of your starchy pasta cooking water! Reserve about half a cup. This "liquid gold" is fantastic for thinning your pesto or any other sauce to your desired consistency and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
• Batch Cooking: Consider making a larger batch of the pesto than needed for one meal. You can freeze it in ice cube trays for convenient future use. Once frozen solid, simply transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer-safe bag for quick and easy meal prep.

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Share Your Culinary Creations!

We absolutely love seeing your cooking adventures and delicious plant-based meals! If you try this Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Brown Rice Pasta with Cilantro Chickpea Pesto, please share your results on abillion! Your reviews and photos not only inspire others but also help our community discover amazing vegan products and recipes.