Low Sodium Fusilli Pasta with Pesto
Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and heart-healthy **Low Sodium Fusilli Pasta with Pesto** recipe! Perfectly al dente fusilli is tossed in a creamy, homemade pesto sauce made with fragrant fresh basil, nutty unsalted walnuts, and zesty garlic. A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, while low-sodium Parmesan cheese adds just the right touch of savory richness. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal for four. By using sodium-conscious ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a classic Italian favorite without compromising on flavor or health. Serve it up with a sprinkle of extra basil leaves or parmesan for a fresh, aromatic finish. Keywords: low sodium pasta recipe, homemade pesto, healthy Italian dinner, quick and easy pasta recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fusilli pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup unsalted walnuts
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese, low sodium
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, then add the fusilli pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 10 minutes, until al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto by placing fresh basil leaves, unsalted walnuts, and garlic cloves in a food processor.
Pulse a few times to break down the ingredients, then gradually add the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to blend until the mixture becomes smooth.
Add fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Pulse again until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth paste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Pour the pesto over the hot pasta in the pot, adding a little reserved cooking water to help the sauce adhere better to the pasta if needed.
Toss the pasta with the pesto until well coated.
Serve immediately, garnishing with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2810 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 171.1 g | 219% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.2 g | 156% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 36 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 384 mg | 17% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 262.8 g | 96% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.9 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.0 g | ||
| Protein | 73.1 g | 146% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 869 mg | 67% | |
| Iron | 7.7 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 1034 mg | 22% | |
*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.
