Low Fat Fusilli Pasta with Pesto
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Low Fat Fusilli Pasta with Pesto, a healthy twist on a beloved Italian classic. This quick and easy recipe features hearty whole wheat fusilli, coated in a rich, creamy pesto made with fresh basil, low-fat ricotta, and a hint of zesty lemon juice for an extra layer of brightness. Topped with juicy cherry tomatoes and nutrient-packed baby spinach, every bite offers a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Ready in just 30 minutes, this light yet satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners. Whether you're looking for a low-fat pasta recipe, vegetarian dinner ideas, or a healthy spin on comfort food, this is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams Whole wheat fusilli pasta
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Low-fat ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 200 grams Cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups Baby spinach
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, low-fat ricotta cheese, pine nuts, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until you have a smooth, thick paste.
3. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside.
4. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked fusilli, halved cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach.
5. Add the pesto to the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat the pasta and vegetables evenly with the pesto sauce.
6. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1660 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.4 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.1 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 38 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1458 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 238.1 g | 87% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.3 g | 137% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.7 g | ||
| Protein | 57.8 g | 116% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 605 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 15.9 mg | 88% | |
| Potassium | 2121 mg | 45% | |
*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.
