Low Fat Classic Basil Pesto Pasta

Transform your weeknight dinners with this Low Fat Classic Basil Pesto Pasta, a lighter twist on the beloved Italian classic. Made with whole wheat pasta for a wholesome base, this recipe features a vibrant pesto sauce crafted from fresh basil, low-fat Parmesan cheese, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil. Nutrient-packed almonds replace traditional pine nuts, adding a subtly nutty flavor while keeping the dish light and healthy. Tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and a hint of red pepper flakes for a burst of flavor, this easy-to-make dish is ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a guilt-free meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, this pasta is sure to become a new favorite. Serve it warm and garnish with extra basil or Parmesan for an irresistible finish!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Whole wheat pasta
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 2 units Garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 0.25 cups Low-fat Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 2 tablespoons Almonds, blanched and unsalted
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly 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 and then drain the pasta.

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, lemon juice, grated low-fat Parmesan cheese, olive oil, water, and almonds. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 3

Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then pulse again to combine.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and the prepared basil pesto. Toss everything to coat well. If the mixture seems dry, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 5

Add the red pepper flakes and give the pasta a final toss.

Step 6

Serve in bowls and garnish with additional grated low-fat Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Step 7

Enjoy your delicious and healthy low-fat basil pesto pasta!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(564.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	906.6

Total Fat 51.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 14.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 35.7mg	0%
Sodium 2211.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 77.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.4g	0%
Total Sugars 6.9g
Protein 43.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 868.8mg	0%
Iron 5.7mg	0%
Potassium 1120.3mg	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: 48.8%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 32.9%