High Protein Pasta with Pesto and Cheese
Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and wholesome High Protein Pasta with Pesto and Cheese recipe! Perfect for those seeking a nutritious yet indulgent meal, this dish combines high-protein pasta with a creamy homemade pesto made from fresh basil, pine nuts, ricotta cheese, and a hint of zesty lemon. The luscious sauce is emulsified with extra-virgin olive oil and topped with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan for the ultimate comfort food experience. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is packed with protein, perfect for fueling your day while delighting your taste buds. Serve it hot for a satisfying dinner that blends freshness with indulgence, all in one bowl!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces High-protein pasta
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cups Pine nuts
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the high-protein pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
Pulse a few times to begin breaking down the ingredients.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and emulsified.
Add the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the food processor.
Blend until the pesto is creamy and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Return the cooked pasta to the pot and add the pesto mixture.
Toss the pasta with the pesto, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Divide the pasta among four serving plates and top each with the remaining 0.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately and enjoy your high-protein pasta with pesto and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3405 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 214.5 g | 275% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.3 g | 301% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 271 mg | 90% | |
| Sodium | 4688 mg | 204% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 229.5 g | 83% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.4 g | 109% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.0 g | ||
| Protein | 167.5 g | 335% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2475 mg | 190% | |
| Iron | 17.8 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 1324 mg | 28% | |
*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.
