Low Fat Spaghetti with Pesto

Indulge in the fresh, herbaceous flavors of Low Fat Spaghetti with Pesto—a wholesome and lighter twist on the classic Italian favorite. This recipe features nutrient-packed whole wheat spaghetti tossed in a vibrant pesto made with fresh basil, baby spinach, and just a touch of Parmesan cheese for a creamy richness without extra fat. A splash of low-sodium vegetable broth and a hint of lemon juice give the sauce a zesty, smooth finish, while a single tablespoon of pine nuts adds nutty depth without overwhelming the dish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and healthy pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a guilt-free meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra touch of elegance, and savor every bite of this lighter yet flavorful take on pesto pasta.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces Whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large Garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon Pine nuts
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the low-fat pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic clove, lemon juice, olive oil, vegetable broth, and pine nuts.

Step 3

Blend the pesto mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. If the mixture is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 4

Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste, then blend again briefly to incorporate the seasoning.

Step 5

Pour the pesto over the cooked spaghetti and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 6

Serve the Low Fat Spaghetti with Pesto immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan (optional) and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(372.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	532.2

Total Fat 23.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 10mg	0%
Sodium 808.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 67.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.9g	0%
Total Sugars 2.9g
Protein 19.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 237.8mg	0%
Iron 6.0mg	0%
Potassium 607.7mg	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: 38.2%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 47.8%