Pasta with Pesto

This Halal Lebanese Pasta with Pesto features a fragrant blend of fresh herbs and spices, creating a delightful fusion of flavors. Perfectly tossed with al dente pasta, it's a vibrant dish that brings a taste of Lebanon to your table.

Ingredients

• Pasta (Fusilli or Penne) - 200 grams
• Fresh Basil Leaves - 50 grams
• Pine Nuts - 30 grams
• Garlic Cloves - 2 (minced)
• Parmesan Cheese (grated) - 30 grams
• Olive Oil - 60 ml
• Lemon Juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Cherry Tomatoes - 100 grams (halved) for garnish
• Fresh Mint Leaves - 10 grams (for garnish)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 50 ml of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
5. In a large bowl, combine the hot pasta with the prepared pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mint leaves.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from fresh basil and garlic.
• Provides healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, supporting heart health.

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