Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto Pasta
Transform your weeknight dinner with this Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto Pasta, a wholesome twist on an Italian favorite! Featuring fiber-rich whole wheat pasta and a vibrant pesto sauce packed with fresh basil, spinach, and toasted pine nuts, this dish delivers both nutrition and flavor. A touch of lemon juice adds brightness, while extra-virgin olive oil ensures a silky, smooth consistency. Perfectly balanced with grated Parmesan cheese and just the right amount of seasoning, it comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. Serve this warm, creamy pesto pasta as a guilt-free indulgence that’s bursting with fresh, heart-healthy ingredients!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz Whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Pine nuts, toasted
- 1 oz Grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Spinach leaves, fresh
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, toast the pine nuts in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
Step 3
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, toasted pine nuts, and spinach leaves. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
Step 4
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the mixture. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil and blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 5
Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the pesto and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
Step 6
Serve the pesto pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Enjoy your heart-healthy classic basil pesto pasta!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (542.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1047.9 |
| Total Fat 63.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 12.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 28.3mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1725.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 99.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 4.4g | |
| Protein 35.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 489.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1152.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories