Creamy High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta Recipe That Wows

Crafting a delectable green pesto pasta bursting with protein feels like a culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Verdant herbs and vibrant ingredients dance together in this nutritious dish.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with robust flavors that surprise and delight.

Lean proteins complement the rich, herbaceous sauce, creating a balanced meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Home cooks will adore how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Simple yet sophisticated, this green pesto pasta promises to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that nourishes and satisfies.

Ingredients For High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that provides a perfect base for the pesto sauce.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh herb that delivers a vibrant and aromatic flavor to the pesto.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty taste and contributes additional protein to the dish.
• Pine Nuts: Provides a creamy texture and boosts the protein content of the pesto.

• Garlic: Gives a sharp and pungent flavor that complements the basil and cheese.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend the pesto ingredients and creates a smooth, silky sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the pesto pasta.

How To Make High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil Spaghetti Strands

Heat water in a large pot until bubbling. Drop spaghetti into the water and cook until tender but still slightly firm. Drain the pasta completely and let it rest in a colander.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Pesto Base

• Fresh basil leaves
• Parmesan cheese
• Pine nuts
• Garlic cloves

Toss all ingredients into a food processor. Pulse the mixture until ingredients are finely chopped and blended together.

Step 3: Blend Pesto Smoothly

Start the food processor and slowly stream olive oil into the mixture. Continue blending until the pesto reaches a smooth, consistent texture. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Pesto

Pour the freshly made pesto over the cooked spaghetti. Use tongs or a pasta fork to gently toss and coat every strand with the vibrant green sauce. Ensure the pasta is evenly covered for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the pesto-coated spaghetti to serving plates. Optional: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves on top for added visual appeal and taste. Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the pesto is fresh.

Helpful Tips For High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta

• Use fresh, high-quality basil leaves for the most vibrant pesto flavor and bright green color.
• Swap pine nuts with more affordable alternatives like walnuts or almonds to reduce cost without compromising taste.
• Add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein, making the dish more filling and nutritionally balanced.
• Toast nuts briefly in a dry pan before blending to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the pesto sauce.
• Store leftover pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and maintain freshness for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Variations To Try With High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta

• Vegan Green Pesto: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and pine nuts with sunflower seeds for a plant-based version. Add extra garlic for bold flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Pasta: Incorporate fresh oregano and thyme into the pesto. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired meal.
• Spicy Jalapeño Pesto: Blend in fresh jalapeño peppers for heat. Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and zesty kick.
• Roasted Vegetable Fusion: Mix roasted zucchini and bell peppers directly into the pasta. Garnish with toasted almonds for added crunch and nutty undertones.

Pairing Ideas For High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Bright, citrusy white wine cuts through the rich pesto, complementing its herbal notes and enhancing the pasta's fresh flavors.
• Serve with Grilled Chicken Breast: Lean protein adds extra nutrition and creates a balanced meal that amplifies the dish's protein profile and provides satisfying texture.
• Garnish with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy, concentrated tomato pieces add a sweet-tart contrast to the earthy pesto, introducing vibrant color and depth to the plate.
• Add Toasted Pine Nut Sprinkle: Extra crunchy nuts boost the existing nutty undertones in the pesto, providing a delightful textural element and nutty complexity.

Storage Tips For High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta

• Store leftover pesto pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Transfer pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate portions for easier thawing.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through.

FAQs About High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta

• What makes the pesto sauce special?

The pesto is made with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic, creating a vibrant and aromatic sauce that adds intense flavor to the pasta.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this high-protein green pesto pasta is vegetarian-friendly, using ingredients like cheese, nuts, and pasta to provide essential nutrients.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in the pesto?

You can swap pine nuts with almonds or walnuts, and use different hard cheeses like pecorino if Parmesan isn’t available. The basil is key to maintaining the classic pesto taste.

• How can I increase the protein content further?

Consider adding grilled tofu, chickpeas, or plant-based protein to boost the protein levels in this already nutritious dish.

High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta That Packs A Punch

• Boost Nutrition Powerfully: Pack a serious protein punch with this green pesto pasta that combines lean protein sources and fresh ingredients for a balanced meal.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Prepare this delicious dish using basic kitchen tools like a food processor, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra protein like grilled chicken or tofu to personalize the recipe and match your dietary preferences or nutritional goals.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Deliver a restaurant-quality meal in minutes, perfect for busy families or individuals seeking a fast, satisfying dinner solution that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition.

High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy green pesto pasta delivers a protein-packed Mediterranean-inspired delight that elevates classic comfort food. Nutrient-rich ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) whole wheat spaghetti
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Pesto Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic

Seasoning and Oil Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot and cook spaghetti until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving a small amount of cooking liquid.
2. Place fresh basil, grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and peeled garlic cloves into a food processor. Pulse ingredients until they form a coarse, textured mixture.
3. With processor running, gradually stream extra virgin olive oil into the herb blend, creating a smooth, vibrant green sauce. Stop and scrape down sides as needed.
4. Season pesto with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting flavors to taste. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to enhance sauce consistency.
5. Transfer hot spaghetti directly into the food processor, gently folding pesto through pasta until each strand is evenly coated with the aromatic sauce.
6. Transfer dressed pasta to serving plates, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan and a few whole pine nuts for extra texture and visual appeal.
7. Serve immediately while pasta remains warm, allowing the herb-infused pesto to showcase its fresh, bright flavors.

Notes

• Choose whole wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein boost.
• Toast pine nuts lightly before blending to enhance their nutty flavor and improve overall pesto complexity.
• Swap traditional Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich, cheesy taste.
• Store leftover pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning and preserve freshness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 7 mg