Heart-Healthy Classic Butter Pasta
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a pasta classic with a healthy twist in this Heart-Healthy Classic Butter Pasta recipe. Made with wholesome whole grain pasta, creamy nutritional yeast, and a splash of vibrant extra virgin olive oil, this dish swaps traditional butter for heart-friendly ingredients without sacrificing richness. Baby spinach adds a boost of nutrients, while garlic and lemon zest bring depth and brightness to every bite. In just 25 minutes, this easy, one-skillet pasta comes together as the perfect quick dinner idea that’s both delicious and good for you. Garnish with fresh basil to elevate its aroma, or keep it simple for a lighter option. Perfectly satisfying, dairy-free, and packed with plant-based goodness, this recipe proves that heart-healthy eating can be as indulgent as it is nourishing.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole grain pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 large garlic clove
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the whole grain pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Finely mince the garlic clove and add it to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water, nutritional yeast, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.
Remove the skillet from heat. If desired, stir in the fresh basil for additional flavor.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra nutritional yeast or fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
635 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.3 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1254 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.9 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.1 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.1 g | ||
| Protein | 24.8 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 298 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 16.7 mg | 93% | |
| Potassium | 1075 mg | 23% | |
*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.
