Low Sodium Basil Pasta
Savor the vibrant flavors of "Low Sodium Basil Pasta," a heart-healthy twist on a classic Italian dish that's both wholesome and satisfying. This recipe pairs tender whole wheat pasta with a medley of fresh basil leaves, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a burst of Mediterranean goodness without relying on added salt. A hint of garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a dash of red pepper flakes lend rich depth and spice to the dish, while a splash of lemon juice brightens every bite. Perfectly balanced with reserved pasta water to create a light, silky sauce, this quick 30-minute recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or lunch gatherings. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy a guilt-free, flavorful pasta masterpiece! Keywords: low sodium, basil pasta, healthy Italian recipe, whole wheat pasta, quick dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 cup pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Ensure not to add salt to the water to keep it low sodium.
Once boiling, add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.
Mince the garlic cloves.
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
Drain the pasta, keeping 0.5 cup of the pasta water, and add the pasta directly into the pan with tomatoes.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Toss to combine.
Slowly add the reserved pasta water, stirring to help create a light sauce.
Turn off the heat. Add the fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta, and toss gently to combine.
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1074 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.9 g | 84% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.1 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 22 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 191 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.7 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.5 g | ||
| Protein | 29.7 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 350 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 6.3 mg | 35% | |
| Potassium | 1218 mg | 26% | |
*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.
