Macarrão com Pesto de Rúcula

Macarrão com Pesto de Rúcula is a vibrant and flavorful Brazilian pasta dish that combines the peppery taste of arugula with the rich nuttiness of walnuts. This vegan delight is not only easy to prepare but also packs a nutritious punch, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) - 200g
• Fresh arugula - 100g
• Walnuts - 30g
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 60ml
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Cherry tomatoes - 100g (for garnish)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto by combining the arugula, walnuts, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
4. Transfer the drained pasta back to the pot, add the pesto, and toss to combine. If the mixture is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creaminess is reached.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins from arugula, which may support overall health.
• Walnuts provide healthy fats and are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.

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