Low Fat Pesto Spaghetti

Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant Low Fat Pesto Spaghetti, a lighter twist on the classic Italian favorite that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Featuring whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber, this dish is tossed in a creamy, guilt-free pesto made with fresh basil, low-fat ricotta cheese, and just a touch of Parmesan for that cheesy finish. A hint of lemon juice brightens the flavors, while garlic and pine nuts add depth and texture. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy recipe offers a deliciously wholesome way to enjoy comfort food with fewer calories. Perfect for busy weeknights or a light yet satisfying dinner, this healthy pesto spaghetti will leave you craving seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams Whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Low-fat ricotta cheese
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large Garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes.

Step 2

While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the low-fat pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, the low-fat ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, a large clove of garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and pine nuts.

Step 3

Pulse the mixture in the food processor until smooth. If the pesto is too thick, add a small amount of warm water from the pasta pot until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4

Season the pesto with salt and black pepper according to taste.

Step 5

Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.

Step 6

In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with the pesto sauce, tossing until the pasta is well coated. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to help combine the sauce and spaghetti evenly.

Step 7

Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired and an extra sprinkle of pine nuts or fresh basil for presentation.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(618.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1124.4

Total Fat 66.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.5g
Cholesterol 114.2mg	0%
Sodium 1737.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 80.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.5g	0%
Total Sugars 4.1g
Protein 53.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 998.0mg	0%
Iron 6.9mg	0%
Potassium 931.1mg	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: 52.9%

Protein: 18.8%

Carbs: 28.3%