Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Lemon Basil Pesto:

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
  • Salt for pasta water

For Garnish (optional):

  • Extra Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lemon Basil Pesto:

  1. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
  3. Add the lemon zest and juice. Pulse a few more times to combine.
  4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.
  5. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
  2. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

3. Combine Pasta and Pesto:

  1. Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the Lemon Basil Pesto to the pasta, tossing to coat evenly. If the pesto is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it and help it coat the pasta more evenly.

4. Serve:

  1. Divide the pasta among serving plates.
  2. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a lemon wedge if desired.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, you can toast the pine nuts lightly before adding them to the food processor.
  • The pesto can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.


😋Enjoy this bright and flavorful Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta as a refreshing and delicious meal😋


Nutrition Facts for Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta

Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200 g) of pasta with pesto

Amount per Serving:

  • Calories: 500
  • Total Fat: 23 g
    • Saturated Fat: 5 g
    • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 60 g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4 g
    • Sugars: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g

Vitamins and Minerals:

  • Vitamin A: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 15% of the DV
  • Calcium: 15% of the DV
  • Iron: 10% of the DV

Breakdown:

  • Calories: Primarily from pasta and olive oil. Pasta provides carbohydrates, while olive oil contributes fats.
  • Total Fat: Includes healthy fats from olive oil and a smaller amount from Parmesan cheese. Most fat is unsaturated.
  • Saturated Fat: Comes mainly from Parmesan cheese. Reducing cheese or using a lower-fat alternative can decrease saturated fat.
  • Cholesterol: Minimal, mostly from Parmesan cheese.
  • Sodium: Primarily from salt added to pasta water and Parmesan cheese. Reducing salt can lower sodium levels.
  • Total Carbohydrates: Main source is the pasta. Carbohydrates provide energy.
  • Dietary Fiber: Contributed by the basil and pasta. Fiber supports digestive health.
  • Sugars: Low amount, naturally occurring in ingredients.

Vitamins and Minerals:

  • Vitamin A and C: Provided by basil and lemon, contributing to overall health.
  • Calcium: Sourced from Parmesan cheese, important for bone health.
  • Iron: Also from Parmesan cheese, supports blood health.