Heart-Healthy Fusilli Pasta with Pesto
Indulge in a guilt-free pasta experience with this Heart-Healthy Fusilli Pasta with Pesto, a nourishing dish packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Made with whole wheat fusilli, this recipe features a creamy, nutrient-rich pesto crafted from fresh basil, baby spinach, walnuts, and a hint of zesty lemon juice. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami twist without dairy, while cherry tomatoes bring a burst of juicy freshness to every bite. Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes—this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying yet light meal that's loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based goodness. Serve it as a nutritious dinner or a stunning side dish for your next gathering. Try this heart-healthy pasta recipe today and redefine comfort food!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole wheat fusilli pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 0.5 cup walnuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Add the whole wheat fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, baby spinach leaves, walnuts, and peeled garlic cloves. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
With the food processor running, gradually add the extra-virgin olive oil in a steady stream, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl until the pesto is well blended.
Add the lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper to the pesto. Pulse until everything is well combined and smooth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or lemon juice to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked fusilli pasta with the freshly made pesto sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and gently fold them into the pasta.
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy this heart-healthy meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2759 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 168.0 g | 215% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.0 g | 110% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 28.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1220 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 273.5 g | 99% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 46.5 g | 166% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.4 g | ||
| Protein | 61.4 g | 123% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 284 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 17.2 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 2638 mg | 56% | |
*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.
