Heart-Healthy Pasta with Pesto and Cheese
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Heart-Healthy Pasta with Pesto and Cheese, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Featuring nutrient-rich whole wheat pasta tossed in a vibrant homemade pesto made with fresh basil, baby spinach, walnuts, and a hint of zesty lemon, this recipe is as nourishing as it is flavorful. Juicy cherry tomatoes, peppery arugula, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese complete this colorful dish, adding layers of freshness and balanced indulgence. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe delivers heart-healthy ingredients without sacrificing taste. Perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner for two, it’s a satisfying way to bring vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients to your table. Optimize your health while savoring every bite!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Baby spinach
- 0.5 cup Walnuts
- 2 units Garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup Arugula
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, baby spinach, walnuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
Step 3
With the processor running, gradually add the extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 4
Season the pesto with sea salt and black pepper to taste. If necessary, adjust the consistency with a bit of pasta cooking water.
Step 5
Halve the cherry tomatoes and roughly chop the arugula.
Step 6
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto, ensuring each strand is well coated.
Step 7
Add the cherry tomatoes and arugula to the pasta and gently mix until combined.
Step 8
Divide the pasta into serving bowls and top each with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 9
Serve immediately, adjusting seasoning if needed, and enjoy your heart-healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (734.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1485.6 |
| Total Fat 107.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 16.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 28.3g | |
| Cholesterol 20mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1555.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 110.9g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 23.8g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 9.4g | |
| Protein 39.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 472.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1408.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories