Low Cal Creamy Pesto with Broccoli and Angel Hair
Indulge in a bowl of guilt-free comfort with this Low Cal Creamy Pesto with Broccoli and Angel Hair recipe, a perfect harmony of delectable flavors and wholesome ingredients. This dish combines tender angel hair pasta with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy pesto sauce made lighter with non-fat Greek yogurt. Fresh basil, garlic, and a hint of zesty lemon create a sauce bursting with herbaceous goodness, while Parmesan adds a savory depth without overloading on calories. Quick and easy to make in just 25 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or elegant entertaining. Serve it piping hot and garnish with extra Parmesan for a simple yet satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is light on the waistline. Perfect for pasta lovers seeking a healthier twist, this dish is a must-try for wholesome Italian-inspired dining!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Angel hair pasta
- 3 cups Broccoli florets
- 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt (non-fat)
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup Reserved pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, bring another medium pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper. Blend until smooth and well-combined.
Transfer the pesto mixture into a mixing bowl and stir in the plain Greek yogurt until a creamy and cohesive sauce forms.
Add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to the sauce mixture to loosen the consistency to your liking. You may not need all of the water.
In a large skillet or saucepan over low heat, toss the cooked angel hair pasta with the creamy pesto sauce until evenly coated. Add the blanched broccoli florets and gently combine with the pasta.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your light and flavorful Low Cal Creamy Pesto with Broccoli and Angel Hair!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1249 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 24.2 g | 31% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.2 g | 31% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 1698 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 197.5 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.7 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.0 g | ||
| Protein | 72.6 g | 145% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 666 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 494 mg | 11% | |
*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.
