Pasta with Cilantro

Pasta with Cilantro is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the earthy flavor of fresh cilantro with perfectly cooked pasta and a zesty citrus sauce. This unique American take on pasta is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 200 grams
• Fresh cilantro - 1 cup, chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon zest - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated (optional)
• Pine nuts - 2 tablespoons, toasted (optional)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the chopped cilantro, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cilantro mixture.
5. Toss the pasta in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce as needed. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Cilantro is rich in antioxidants and can help lower blood sugar levels.
• Olive oil is a healthy fat that may reduce the risk of heart disease.

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