Heart-Healthy Classic Butter Pasta
Indulge in the comforting simplicity of "Heart-Healthy Classic Butter Pasta," a wholesome twist on a timeless favorite that’s perfect for guilt-free dining. This recipe swaps traditional butter for heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and incorporates nutrient-packed whole grain pasta, vibrant baby spinach, and a zesty hint of lemon for a fresh, flavorful experience. Nutritional yeast adds a subtle, cheesy richness without the dairy, making it ideal for plant-based or lactose-intolerant eaters. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a quick, satisfying meal that feels indulgent without compromising your health goals. Serve it as a light main course or a versatile side dish, garnished with fragrant fresh basil for an elegant touch. Perfectly simple, deeply satisfying, and packed with flavor, this pasta is your new weeknight go-to!
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole grain pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 large garlic clove
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup fresh basil (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the whole grain pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3
Finely mince the garlic clove and add it to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4
Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Step 5
Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water, nutritional yeast, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
Step 6
Remove the skillet from heat. If desired, stir in the fresh basil for additional flavor.
Step 7
Serve immediately, garnished with extra nutritional yeast or fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (457.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 635.2 |
| Total Fat 30.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 4.5g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1254.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 73.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 19.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2.1g | |
| Protein 24.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 298.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 16.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1074.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories