Low Carb Pesto Pasta
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and satisfying Low Carb Pesto Pasta—a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite. Featuring tender zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," as the star of the dish, this recipe pairs perfectly with a rich homemade pesto sauce made from fresh basil, creamy Parmesan, nutty pine nuts, and a hint of zesty lemon. In just 25 minutes, you'll have a quick, healthy meal that's as delicious as it is wholesome. With the addition of juicy cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, this dish is low-carb, keto-friendly, and packed with fresh, herbaceous flavor. Perfect as a light main dish or a vibrant side, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers seeking a healthier alternative.
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Ingredients
- 4 medium Zucchini
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Pine nuts
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions
Step 1
1. Begin by washing and trimming the ends of the zucchini. Using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler, cut the zucchini into noodle-shaped strands (also known as zoodles). Set aside on a clean tea towel to absorb excess moisture.
Step 2
2. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse a few times until all ingredients are chopped and well combined.
Step 3
3. Slowly add the extra-virgin olive oil while the food processor is running, until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl a couple of times.
Step 4
4. Season the pesto with salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Give it one more pulse to mix everything together.
Step 5
5. In a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat, lightly sauté the zoodles for about 2-3 minutes, just until they are tender but still crisp. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become mushy.
Step 6
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and toss the zoodles with the fresh pesto sauce until they are well coated.
Step 7
7. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pasta and gently mix them in.
Step 8
8. Serve immediately, topped with additional grated Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1240.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2080.5 |
| Total Fat 186.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 32.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 23.6g | |
| Cholesterol 60mg | 0% |
| Sodium 9079.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 79.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 12.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 61.1g | |
| Protein 44.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 877.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2656.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories