Mediterranean Diet Spaghetti with Pesto

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean Diet Spaghetti with Pesto, a wholesome and delicious spin on a classic pasta dish. Made with nutrient-rich whole wheat spaghetti, this recipe showcases a velvety pesto sauce crafted from fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness—all brought together with heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil. Quick to prepare and bursting with bold, herby goodness, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike. Garnish with sautéed cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor, and enjoy a dish that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Whether you’re following the Mediterranean diet or simply love vibrant, fresh pasta recipes, this is sure to become a mealtime favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 2 whole Garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
• 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.

Step 3

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Add the lemon juice and pulse a few more times to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4

Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, return it to the pot. Add the pesto and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. If the pesto seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5

If desired, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and sauté them in a small skillet with a drizzle of olive oil until slightly softened. Use them to garnish the finished dish.

Step 6

Divide the spaghetti among serving plates. Sprinkle with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(867.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2000.0

Total Fat 161.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.5g
Cholesterol 80mg	0%
Sodium 2563.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 108.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.2g	0%
Total Sugars 10.9g
Protein 58.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1025.3mg	0%
Iron 8.5mg	0%
Potassium 1481.4mg	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: 68.5%

Protein: 11.0%

Carbs: 20.5%