Heart Healthy Lima Bean Pesto Pasta
Indulge in a nutritious and flavor-packed meal with Heart Healthy Lima Bean Pesto Pasta, a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe features tender whole wheat pasta tossed in a creamy, plant-based pesto made with protein-rich lima beans, vibrant fresh basil, and nutrient-dense baby spinach. Boosted with the tangy zest of fresh lemon juice, the nutty depth of walnuts, and savory nutritional yeast, this dish offers a deliciously satisfying and heart-conscious choice for dinner. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight option for those seeking a balance of health and taste. Serve this bright, vegan pasta creation on its own or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete, guilt-free feast.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup frozen lima beans
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 units garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted walnuts
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, cook the frozen lima beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a food processor, combine the cooked lima beans, fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, garlic cloves, walnuts, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
With the food processor running, drizzle in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. It should be creamy but not too thick.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the lima bean pesto until evenly coated.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Enjoy your heart-healthy meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1038 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.1 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1244 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 139.6 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.1 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 40.7 g | 81% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 190 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 12.0 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 1895 mg | 40% | |
*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.
