Low Sodium Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and heart-healthy Low Sodium Bowtie Pasta with Pesto Sauce! Perfectly cooked bowtie pasta is tossed with a creamy, herbaceous pesto made from fresh basil, unsalted walnuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a splash of fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. The recipe skips added salt without sacrificing flavor, thanks to the richness of extra-virgin olive oil and a hint of black pepper. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy dish is ideal for busy families seeking a low-sodium alternative to classic pasta recipes. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and garnish with fresh basil for a stunning presentation. Suitable for four servings, this wholesome pasta recipe combines simplicity with gourmet taste—making it a must-try for health-conscious food lovers.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup unsalted walnuts
- 0.5 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook as per package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, unsalted walnuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
With the food processor running, slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. If the pesto seems too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Season the pesto with freshly ground black pepper and add the fresh lemon juice. Pulse briefly to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked bowtie pasta with the prepared pesto sauce. Add a bit more reserved pasta water if necessary to aid in coating the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2976 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 177.3 g | 227% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.6 g | 198% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 95 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 1813 mg | 79% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 268.2 g | 98% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.7 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.3 g | ||
| Protein | 93.8 g | 188% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1403 mg | 108% | |
| Iron | 14.5 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 466 mg | 10% | |
*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.
