Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto Pasta
Elevate your pasta night with this Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto Pasta, a vibrant and wholesome spin on a beloved comfort food! Made with whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrition, this dish features a silky pesto sauce crafted from fresh basil, spinach, and toasted pine nuts, blended with extra-virgin olive oil and a splash of zesty lemon juice. The Parmesan cheese adds depth without overpowering, while garlic and black pepper balance the flavors beautifully. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weekdays without compromising on taste or health. Serve it warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and a hint of freshly cracked pepper, for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying. Perfect keywords: Heart-Healthy Basil Pesto Pasta, Nutritional Whole Wheat Pasta Recipe, Homemade Pesto Sauce with Spinach.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Pine nuts, toasted
- 1 oz Grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Spinach leaves, fresh
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, toast the pine nuts in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, toasted pine nuts, and spinach leaves. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the mixture. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil and blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the pesto and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
Serve the pesto pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Enjoy your heart-healthy classic basil pesto pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1048 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 63.1 g | 81% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.6 g | 63% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 28 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 1725 mg | 75% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 99.2 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.0 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.4 g | ||
| Protein | 35.5 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 490 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 8.5 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 1152 mg | 25% | |
*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.
