Homemade Pesto Bucatini Pasta With Juicy Marbles

If you’re looking for a perfect choice for a rich, satisfying, and flavor-packed pasta dish, this Homemade Pesto Bucatini Pasta with Juicy Marbles is a must-try. A bright, herbaceous pesto sauce coats every strand of bucatini, while the juicy marbles (or your favorite plant-based meat) add a crispy, golden brown bite, glazed with Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce.

This dish is packed with new flavors, using a bold combination of miso, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers, which enhance the umami depth. Whether you’re making a homemade pesto in a food processor or using store-bought pesto for convenience, this meal is guaranteed to be your next meal obsession!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Rich & Flavorful – A deep, nutty pesto balanced with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and briny capers.
✅ High-Protein & Plant-Based – The juicy marbles mimic the texture of juicy chicken or beef making this dish hearty and satisfying.
✅ Quick & Easy – With a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Store leftovers in an airtight container for an easy next-day meal.
✅ Customizable – Swap ingredients to suit your taste or diet!

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Key Ingredients & Why They Work

1. Homemade Pesto (Bold & Herbaceous)

A vibrant blend of fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil, blended in a food processor until creamy. This vegan pesto delivers a rich and nutty flavor.

2. Bucatini Pasta (The Perfect Choice)

This Italian pasta is similar to spaghetti but with a hollow center, making it ideal for soaking up the creamy pesto sauce. Cook it al dente for the best results.

3. Juicy Marbles (Plant-Based Protein Powerhouse)

A fantastic plant-based meat alternative, Juicy Marbles provides a juicy, meaty texture, perfect for soaking up the Bachan’s glaze.

4. Miso (Deep Umami Flavor)

A spoonful of miso brings new flavors and enhances the bright flavor of the pesto with its salty, fermented depth.

5. Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Capers (Tangy & Briny Boost)

• Sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and natural sweetness.
• Capers bring a salty, briny pop that cuts through the richness of the pesto.

6. Aromatics (The Flavor Base)

Sautéed garlic cloves and onions in extra-virgin olive oil provide a savory, caramelized depth.

7. Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce (Sweet & Umami Glaze)

A smoky-sweet, soy-based sauce that elevates the juicy marbles with an irresistible glaze.

How to Make Homemade Pesto Bucatini Pasta with Juicy Marbles

1. Make the Pesto

• In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and a little salt, miso, sun dried tomato, capers.
• Blend until smooth. If needed, add a cup of the pasta water to reach a creamy pesto sauce consistency.

2. Cook the Bucatini

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the bucatini pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
• Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining.

3. Sauté the Juicy Marbles & Aromatics

• Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Sauté garlic cloves and onions until fragrant.
• Add Juicy Marbles and cook until golden brown.
• Glaze with Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce and let it caramelize for a couple of minutes.

4. Assemble the Dish

• Toss the al dente bucatini with the homemade pesto, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
• Top with the glazed Juicy Marbles.
• Garnish with toasted pine nuts and extra lemon juice for brightness.

Variations

1️⃣ Almond Pesto Bucatini – Swap pine nuts for almonds for a rich almond pesto flavor.
2️⃣ Spicy Pesto Pasta – Add red pepper flakes and extra garlic cloves for heat.
3️⃣ Pesto Pasta Salad – Cool the pasta and toss with fresh veggies for a refreshing pasta salad.
4️⃣ Creamy Pesto Sauce – Stir in some unsalted butter or dairy-free cream for extra richness.
5️⃣ Artichoke Pesto Bucatini – Add artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.

Substitutions

🔄 Don’t have pine nuts? Use walnuts or sunflower seeds instead.
🔄 No fresh basil? Try parsley pesto for a different herbaceous touch.
🔄 Out of bucatini? Swap for spaghetti, fettuccine, or homemade pasta.
🔄 No Juicy Marbles? Use your favorite plant-based sausage or tofu.
🔄 No Bachan’s? Try a mix of soy sauce, maple syrup, and garlic powder for a similar glaze.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes! Store-bought pesto is a great shortcut. Just look for one with fresh basil leaves and extra virgin olive oil.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze pesto?

Yes! Freeze in resealable bags or an airtight container for up to 3 months.

4. How do I keep my pesto green?

Adding lemon juice helps preserve the bright flavor and color of your pesto.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the bucatini pasta for gluten-free pasta.

Top Tip

💡 For the best results, toast your pine nuts before blending. This enhances their nutty flavor and makes your homemade pesto even richer.

Hint

✨ Reserve a cup of the pasta water! This starchy liquid helps emulsify the creamy pesto sauce, making it cling perfectly to the bucatini pasta.

This Homemade Pesto Bucatini Pasta with Juicy Marbles is a perfect way to enjoy a bright, herbaceous, and savory pasta dish with a modern, plant-based twist. Whether you make your own pesto or use store-bought, this dish will quickly become one of your new favorites.

Give it a try, and let me know—what’s your favorite pesto variation? 🍃🍝✨