Heart-Healthy Herb-Infused Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinners with our Heart-Healthy Herb-Infused Pasta, a vibrant and nourishing dish that's bursting with flavor and wholesome ingredients. Made with whole-wheat pasta, fresh basil, parsley, and a hint of zesty lemon, this recipe combines antioxidant-rich spinach and cherry tomatoes for a nutrient-packed bite. Toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ties the dish together with creamy indulgence. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil, this quick 30-minute meal balances health and taste beautifully. Whether you're seeking a vegetarian option or simply a wholesome dinner idea, this heart-friendly pasta is as refreshing as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole-wheat pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.5 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat, add a pinch of salt, and cook the whole-wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Stir in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt slightly for about 2 minutes.
Once the pasta is done, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, drain the rest, and add the pasta to the skillet.
Toss the pasta with fresh basil, parsley, lemon juice, and zest, until well combined with the vegetables.
If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Season with red pepper flakes, chopped walnuts, salt, and black pepper.
Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately and enjoy your heart-healthy meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1255 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 79.1 g | 101% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.9 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 1787 mg | 78% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 114.6 g | 42% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.8 g | 128% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.3 g | ||
| Protein | 50.2 g | 100% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1788 mg | 138% | |
| Iron | 34.0 mg | 189% | |
| Potassium | 3972 mg | 85% | |
*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.
