Pasta con Salsa di Pesto

Pasta con Salsa di Pesto is a vibrant and flavorful dish that highlights the freshness of basil and the richness of nuts, making it a delightful and healthy choice. This classic Italian meal is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat pasta - 150 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Garlic - 1 clove
• Extra virgin olive oil - 60 ml
• Parmesan cheese, grated - 30 grams
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto by combining fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Blend until finely chopped.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides occasionally.
4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice to the pesto, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend again until well combined.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Return the pasta to the pot.
6. Add the pesto sauce to the pasta, tossing well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
7. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 12 mg
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, promoting heart health.
• High in fiber from whole wheat pasta and basil, aiding digestion.

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