Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Walnut Basil Pesto Pasta, a quick and nutritious recipe crafted for anyone embracing a flat belly diet! This dish features whole wheat spaghetti tossed in a creamy, homemade walnut-basil pesto, packed with heart-healthy fats, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon for a tantalizingly fresh taste. The walnuts add a delightful nutty richness, while Parmesan and garlic elevate every bite with robust savory notes. Ready in just 25 minutes, this wholesome recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Garnish with bursting cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and a hint of sweetness, and enjoy a dish that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfect for healthy pasta lovers seeking bold flavors with a guilt-free twist!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the walnut basil pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, walnuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta cooking water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the walnut basil pesto until evenly coated. Add a splash of the reserved cooking water if needed to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
Serve immediately, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness and additional color, if desired.
Enjoy your Walnut Basil Pesto Pasta, a delicious and healthy meal perfect for those looking to maintain a flat belly diet.
Calories |
1869 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 153.0 g | 196% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.3 g | 132% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 56.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 2107 mg | 92% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 94.0 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.8 g | 81% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.2 g | ||
| Protein | 56.9 g | 114% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 896 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 1725 mg | 37% | |
*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.