Low Sodium Pasta with Pesto and Cheese
Satisfy your cravings for a wholesome and flavorful meal with this Low Sodium Pasta with Pesto and Cheese recipe—perfect for health-conscious food lovers. Featuring hearty whole wheat pasta, this dish boasts the vibrant flavors of a homemade basil pesto crafted from unsalted walnuts, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of garlic, all blended into a creamy symphony with extra-virgin olive oil. Low in sodium yet high in taste, this pesto is balanced out with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and sweet cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and nutritious recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it warm for an irresistible comfort food experience that’s packed with rich, earthy goodness!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup unsalted walnuts
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.125 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, unsalted walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and fresh lemon juice.
Pulse a few times to chop the ingredients roughly.
With the food processor running on low, gradually drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Season the pesto with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the prepared pesto. Toss well until the pasta is evenly coated.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pasta and gently mix them in.
Serve the pasta in individual bowls, topping each portion with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1792 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 146.1 g | 187% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.6 g | 113% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 364 mg | 16% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 105.0 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.8 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.1 g | ||
| Protein | 33.7 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 380 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 1199 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.
