Vegetarian Pasta with Pesto and Chicken

Indulge in the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Vegetarian Pasta with Pesto, a dish that combines simple ingredients with gourmet flair for a satisfying weeknight meal. This recipe features perfectly al dente spaghetti tossed in a luscious homemade basil pesto, made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a hint of lemon for a zesty twist. Sauteed cherry tomatoes and spinach add a burst of color and nutrients, while a garnish of shaved Parmesan and extra basil leaves enhances the dish with a touch of elegance. Ready in just 30 minutes and packed with wholesome ingredients, this easy vegetarian pasta recipe is perfect for lovers of quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dinners.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta
• 2 cups basil leaves
• 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 0.25 cup basil leaves, for garnish
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3

Blend the ingredients while gradually pouring in the olive oil until you achieve a smooth pesto consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 4

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 5

Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and sauté for another 2 minutes until just wilted.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the homemade pesto. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water little by little if necessary to loosen the sauce.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Step 8

Serve the pesto pasta hot, garnished with extra basil leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Enjoy your flavorful and vibrant Vegetarian Pasta with Pesto.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(886.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2224.2

Total Fat 167.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.5g
Cholesterol 87.6mg	0%
Sodium 3995.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 126.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 7.6g
Protein 69.7g	0%

Vitamin D 23.8IU	0%
Calcium 1284.8mg	0%
Iron 10.9mg	0%
Potassium 1243.7mg	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: 65.8%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 22.1%