Elevate your pasta night with this irresistible Spaghetti with Macadamia Pesto and Semi-Dried Tomatoes, a unique twist on a classic Italian favorite. This quick and easy recipe features perfectly al dente spaghetti coated in a luxurious, velvety pesto made with buttery macadamia nuts, fresh basil, garlic, and a hint of zesty lemon juice for balance. Semi-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor to every bite, creating the perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for a gourmet finish. Perfect for pasta lovers, pesto fans, and anyone looking to add a nutty, flavorful twist to their dinner repertoire!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
In a food processor, combine macadamia nuts, basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of freshly ground black pepper.
Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are coarsely chopped. Gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream while processing until the mixture forms a smooth pesto. Add lemon juice and pulse briefly to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the macadamia pesto, adding a little of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
Gently stir in the semi-dried tomatoes, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and a few extra basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Calories |
2610 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 209.0 g | 268% | |
| Saturated Fat | 40.4 g | 202% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 3569 mg | 155% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 142.4 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.1 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.2 g | ||
| Protein | 53.9 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 777 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 12.6 mg | 70% | |
| Potassium | 837 mg | 18% | |
*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.