Low Fat Pesto Pasta

Discover a lighter twist on a classic comfort food with this Low Fat Pesto Pasta, a vibrant and wholesome dish that combines fresh ingredients with creamy, guilt-free indulgence. Made with nutrient-packed whole wheat pasta and a luscious pesto sauce crafted from fresh basil, low-fat Greek yogurt, and just a touch of Parmesan, this recipe delivers all the rich, herbaceous flavors you love without the extra calories. A sprinkle of nuts adds a delightful crunch, while cherry tomatoes and baby spinach lend vibrant color and added nutrition. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and watch it become a family favorite in no time!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Whole wheat pasta
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cups Low fat Greek yogurt
• 1 large Garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons Pine nuts or walnuts
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Baby spinach

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic clove, nuts, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Pulse the mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach. Toss well to combine.

Step 5

If the pasta seems dry, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up, then toss again.

Step 6

Serve the pasta warm or at room temperature. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(635.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	743.2

Total Fat 35.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 28.2mg	0%
Sodium 1601.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 78.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.0g	0%
Total Sugars 10.2g
Protein 40.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 483.9mg	0%
Iron 7.0mg	0%
Potassium 1150.5mg	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: 40.3%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 39.5%