Low Sodium Penne Pasta with Pesto
Elevate your pasta nights with this heart-healthy Low Sodium Penne Pasta with Pesto, a lighter twist on a classic Italian favorite. Made with whole wheat penne, this recipe combines the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, and garlic with the nutty richness of unsalted walnuts and nutritional yeast for a robust, dairy-free pesto. A drizzle of olive oil adds smoothness, while cherry tomatoes bring a burst of juicy sweetness to every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy recipe proves that low sodium doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome, nutrient-packed meal, this dish is as satisfying as it is healthy!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Unsalted walnuts
- 2 pieces Fresh garlic cloves
- 0.25 cups Nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 cups Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, unsalted walnuts, fresh garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Pulse the ingredients until finely chopped.
Step 3
With the food processor running, slowly add olive oil in a steady stream. Continue to process the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. Add ground black pepper and pulse a few times to incorporate.
Step 4
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Step 5
Return the pasta to the pot. Add the pesto sauce and a little of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta with the pesto until well coated, adding more pasta water if necessary for a smooth sauce.
Step 6
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and gently fold them into the pasta mixture.
Step 7
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your delicious and heart-healthy low sodium penne pasta with pesto!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (725.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2676.3 |
| Total Fat 155.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 20.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 10.6g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 21.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 266.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 32.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 17.8g | |
| Protein 57.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 281.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 16.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2364.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories