Low Carb Pasta with Pesto and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this vibrant and delicious Low Carb Pasta with Pesto and Cheese! Swapping traditional pasta for zucchini noodles, this recipe offers a light and flavorful alternative that's perfect for keto and low-carb lifestyles. Fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese come together in a velvety homemade pesto sauce, enhanced with a hint of garlic and lemon for a zesty kick. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and healthy dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or as an elegant yet effortless meal for guests. Serve it with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and pine nuts for a stunning, restaurant-worthy presentation that's both nutritious and satisfying.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 large zucchini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
Using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler, create zucchini noodles by cutting the zucchini into long strands resembling spaghetti.
Place the zucchini noodles on a clean kitchen towel and gently pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the garlic, finely minced, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are slightly tender yet still crisp.
Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and water.
Process the mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to incorporate all ingredients uniformly.
Adjust the consistency of the pesto with additional water if necessary, until it reaches your desired thickness.
Transfer the cooked zucchini noodles to a large serving bowl.
Pour the pesto sauce over the noodles and toss gently to combine, ensuring the noodles are well coated.
Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and pine nuts if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1052 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.5 g | 88% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.7 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 14.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 11016 mg | 479% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 85.0 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.9 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 71.1 g | ||
| Protein | 32.5 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 671 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 2546 mg | 54% | |
*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.
