Low Sodium Penne Pasta with Pesto
Elevate your pasta night with this heart-healthy Low Sodium Penne Pasta with Pesto recipe, a perfect combination of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Made with whole wheat penne, this dish features a creamy basil pesto crafted from unsalted walnuts, fresh garlic, nutritional yeast, and a hint of zesty lemon juice. Olive oil adds richness while cherry tomatoes bring bursts of sweetness. Designed with a low sodium focus, this meal is perfect for those seeking delicious, blood pressure-friendly options without compromising flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's an ideal choice for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend dinners. Serve warm for a wholesome, satisfying experience that's packed with plant-based nutrition!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole wheat penne pasta
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Unsalted walnuts
- 2 pieces Fresh garlic cloves
- 0.25 cups Nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 cups Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole wheat penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, unsalted walnuts, fresh garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. Pulse the ingredients until finely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly add olive oil in a steady stream. Continue to process the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. Add ground black pepper and pulse a few times to incorporate.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Return the pasta to the pot. Add the pesto sauce and a little of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta with the pesto until well coated, adding more pasta water if necessary for a smooth sauce.
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and gently fold them into the pasta mixture.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your delicious and heart-healthy low sodium penne pasta with pesto!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2676 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 155.7 g | 200% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.8 g | 104% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 21 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 266.6 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.7 g | 117% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.8 g | ||
| Protein | 57.3 g | 115% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 282 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 16.1 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 2364 mg | 50% | |
*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.
