Mediterranean Diet Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Indulge in the luscious flavors of this Mediterranean Diet Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta, a wholesome and satisfying dish that’s both light and comforting. Made with nutritious whole wheat pasta, the recipe features a velvety sauce crafted from Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese, perfectly balanced with the vibrant flavors of garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach. Extra virgin olive oil and low-sodium vegetable broth keep the dish heart-healthy, while a touch of fresh basil elevates the aroma and taste. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner. Serve it warm, and let its creamy, garlicky goodness transport you to the Mediterranean coast. Keywords: Mediterranean diet pasta, creamy garlic parmesan, healthy pasta recipe, quick and easy Mediterranean dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole wheat pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their juices.
Add the baby spinach leaves to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth and stir. Bring to a simmer for about 2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt until well combined, creating a creamy sauce.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for some heat. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.
Serve the creamy garlic parmesan pasta warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1162 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.7 g | 64% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.1 g | 86% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 68 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 2495 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 119.5 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.2 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.5 g | ||
| Protein | 63.9 g | 128% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1059 mg | 81% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 2018 mg | 43% | |
*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.
