Low Fat Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our **Low Fat Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce**, a wholesome and lightened-up twist on a classic Italian favorite. This quick and easy recipe features tender, al dente bowtie pasta tossed in a creamy pesto sauce made with fresh basil, nutrient-packed baby spinach, and a hint of zesty lemon juice. Instead of the traditional pine nuts, heart-healthy almonds add a nutty depth, while just a touch of extra virgin olive oil keeps this dish lower in fat without compromising on taste. Ready in just 25 minutes, this delicious pasta is perfect for busy weeknights and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Packed with bold flavors and customizable for your dietary needs, it’s a guilt-free, satisfying meal the whole family will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 1 oz parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp almonds
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp water
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the bowtie pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, parmesan cheese, almonds, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
Add the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and water to the food processor. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste, scraping down the sides as needed. If the pesto is too thick, add additional water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste, and blend briefly to combine.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about a cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Return the drained pasta to the pot, and add the pesto sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to help combine the pesto with the pasta.
Serve the Low Fat Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1704 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.4 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.7 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 25 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 1380 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 265.1 g | 96% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.6 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.2 g | ||
| Protein | 57.5 g | 115% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 386 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 15.0 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 286 mg | 6% | |
*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.
