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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer hot spaghetti directly into the food processor, gently folding pesto through pasta until each strand is evenly coated with the aromatic sauce.
- Transfer dressed pasta to serving plates, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan and a few whole pine nuts for extra texture and visual appeal.
- 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