Heart Healthy Lima Bean Pesto Pasta

Indulge in a nutritious and flavor-packed meal with Heart Healthy Lima Bean Pesto Pasta, a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe features tender whole wheat pasta tossed in a creamy, plant-based pesto made with protein-rich lima beans, vibrant fresh basil, and nutrient-dense baby spinach. Boosted with the tangy zest of fresh lemon juice, the nutty depth of walnuts, and savory nutritional yeast, this dish offers a deliciously satisfying and heart-conscious choice for dinner. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight option for those seeking a balance of health and taste. Serve this bright, vegan pasta creation on its own or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete, guilt-free feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat pasta
• 1 cup frozen lima beans
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 units garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted walnuts
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cup reserved pasta water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, cook the frozen lima beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine the cooked lima beans, fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, garlic cloves, walnuts, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 4

With the food processor running, drizzle in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. It should be creamy but not too thick.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the lima bean pesto until evenly coated.

Step 6

Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Enjoy your heart-healthy meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(770.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1037.6

Total Fat 41.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1244.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 139.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.1g	0%
Total Sugars 9.3g
Protein 40.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 190.1mg	0%
Iron 12.0mg	0%
Potassium 1895.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.9%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 51.2%