Low Fat Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce
Dive into a bowl of vibrant and guilt-free flavor with this Low Fat Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce! This wholesome recipe puts a light and healthy twist on classic pesto pasta, combining tender bowtie pasta with a nutrient-packed sauce made from fresh basil, baby spinach, and almonds. Instead of heavy oils and creams, this pesto uses a touch of extra virgin olive oil and water for a smooth, silky texture, keeping it low in fat without sacrificing richness. Brightened with a splash of lemon juice and perfectly seasoned with garlic and parmesan cheese, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or quick meal prepping. Complete with a luscious, herbaceous aroma and a hint of nuttiness, it's a fresh, satisfying way to enjoy pasta while staying health-conscious. Serve it warm and garnished with extra parmesan for a meal that's both comforting and nourishing.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 oz parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp almonds
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp water
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 2
Add the bowtie pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Step 3
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, parmesan cheese, almonds, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
Step 4
Add the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and water to the food processor. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste, scraping down the sides as needed. If the pesto is too thick, add additional water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 5
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste, and blend briefly to combine.
Step 6
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about a cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 7
Return the drained pasta to the pot, and add the pesto sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to help combine the pesto with the pasta.
Step 8
Serve the Low Fat Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (522.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1703.7 |
| Total Fat 51.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 9.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 25.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1380.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 265.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 13.2g | |
| Protein 57.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 386.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 15.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 286.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories