Low Fat Classic Basil Pesto Pasta
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this vibrant and healthy **Low Fat Classic Basil Pesto Pasta**—a lighter twist on the traditional favorite. Made with nutrient-rich whole wheat pasta and a creamy pesto sauce crafted from fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and low-fat Parmesan cheese, this recipe is packed with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Blanched almonds add a nutty depth, while cherry tomatoes and a dash of red pepper flakes provide a pop of color and subtle heat. Perfectly balanced and quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for anyone seeking a lower-fat, heart-healthy option without compromising on taste. Serve it up for a satisfying meal that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds! Keywords: low-fat pesto pasta, healthy pasta recipe, basil pesto, quick dinner idea.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 2 units Garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.25 cups Low-fat Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 2 tablespoons Almonds, blanched and unsalted
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Bring a large pot of lightly 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 and then drain the pasta.
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, lemon juice, grated low-fat Parmesan cheese, olive oil, water, and almonds. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then pulse again to combine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and the prepared basil pesto. Toss everything to coat well. If the mixture seems dry, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Add the red pepper flakes and give the pasta a final toss.
Serve in bowls and garnish with additional grated low-fat Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy low-fat basil pesto pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
907 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.3 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.7 g | 74% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 36 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 2211 mg | 96% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 77.7 g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.4 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 43.4 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 869 mg | 67% | |
| Iron | 5.7 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 1120 mg | 24% | |
*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.
