Pasta au Pesto

Pasta au Pesto is a delightful French twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant, high-protein pesto made with lentils and fresh herbs. This dish is perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal that combines the richness of nuts and cheese with the freshness of basil.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat pasta - 200 grams
• Fresh basil - 50 grams
• Cooked green lentils - 100 grams
• Parmesan cheese, grated - 30 grams
• Pine nuts - 20 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Olive oil - 60 ml
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, cooked green lentils, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pesto, tossing until evenly coated.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and pine nuts if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from lentils and cheese, promoting muscle health.
• Rich in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.

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