Pasta al Pesto de Cilantro

Pasta al Pesto de Cilantro is a vibrant fusion dish that marries the fresh flavors of cilantro with traditional pasta, offering a unique twist that celebrates both Mexican and Italian cuisines. This dish is not only colorful and aromatic but also packed with nutrients, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) - 150 grams
• Fresh cilantro - 50 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Parmesan cheese (grated) - 30 grams
• Olive oil - 60 ml
• Lime juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams

Steps

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cilantro pesto by combining cilantro, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the hot pasta with the cilantro pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
5. Halve the cherry tomatoes and gently fold them into the pasta.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Cilantro is rich in antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar levels.
• Pine nuts provide healthy fats and are a good source of magnesium, which supports muscle and nerve function.

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