Low Sodium Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce
Delight your taste buds with this vibrant and heart-healthy Low Sodium Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce, a flavorful twist on a classic Italian favorite. This quick and easy recipe combines tender bowtie pasta with a creamy homemade pesto made from fresh basil leaves, unsalted walnuts, and a hint of fresh lemon juice for zing. Perfect for those watching their sodium intake, this dish uses freshly grated parmesan cheese and garlic to pack a punch of rich, savory flavor without added salt. Tossed together in just 25 minutes, this wholesome meal is ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Serve it warm with an optional sprinkle of parmesan or fresh basil for an irresistible, low sodium comfort food that’s bound to become a family favorite.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup unsalted walnuts
- 0.5 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook as per package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, unsalted walnuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
Step 3
With the food processor running, slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. If the pesto seems too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4
Season the pesto with freshly ground black pepper and add the fresh lemon juice. Pulse briefly to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked bowtie pasta with the prepared pesto sauce. Add a bit more reserved pasta water if necessary to aid in coating the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 6
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (659.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2975.8 |
| Total Fat 177.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 39.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 95.2mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1813.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 268.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 13.3g | |
| Protein 93.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 47.6IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1403.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 14.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 466.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories