Low Sodium Classic Basil Pesto Pasta
Elevate your dinner table with this Low Sodium Classic Basil Pesto Pasta, a heart-healthy twist on a timeless Italian favorite! Fresh basil leaves, creamy Parmesan cheese, and fragrant garlic come together to create a vibrant, nutty pesto that's lower in sodium but brimming with bold flavor. Tossed with perfectly al dente pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and a touch of zesty lemon juice, this dish is a deliciously light yet satisfying meal. The recipe is quick and easy, requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings. Garnish with fresh basil and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan for a beautifully plated main dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re watching your salt intake or simply looking for a fresh, wholesome pasta recipe, this low sodium pesto pasta is sure to delight your taste buds.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Pine nuts
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cups Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 12 ounces Spaghetti or any pasta of choice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt-free seasoning blend
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions
Step 1
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, place the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
Step 3
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and blend again until well combined.
Step 4
Slowly add the extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream with the food processor running until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.
Step 5
Add the lemon juice and ground black pepper, and pulse a few more times until the ingredients are well integrated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with the salt-free seasoning blend.
Step 6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and pesto. Toss to evenly coat the pasta, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if the mixture is too thick.
Step 7
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and gently mix them through the pasta.
Step 8
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (836.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2203.9 |
| Total Fat 173.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 27.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 23.0g | |
| Cholesterol 40mg | 0% |
| Sodium 699.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 129.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 8.6g | |
| Protein 51.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 683.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 14.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1401.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories