Description
Whole Wheat Summer Pesto Pasta is a vibrant, healthy dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Featuring al dente whole wheat pasta coated in a luscious homemade pesto made from fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts, this recipe is perfect for warm evenings with friends or family. It’s quick to prepare and easily customizable with seasonal vegetables or proteins, making it a versatile favorite that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (spaghetti or fusilli)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add the pasta, and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Toast pine nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Make pesto: In a food processor, blend basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, and lemon juice until roughly combined. Gradually add olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the cooked pasta. Toss drained pasta with pesto sauce and reserved water until desired consistency is achieved.
- Finish: Gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes to warm through before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables like zucchini. Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed for dietary preferences. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with olive oil.