High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta: A Nutritious and Flavorful Dish

Looking for a pasta dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also boosts your protein intake? The High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta is the perfect solution. With a rich basil pesto sauce made from fresh ingredients, this dish is simple, satisfying, and full of healthy fats and protein. Whole wheat spaghetti provides extra fiber, while the homemade pesto, made from basil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts, delivers a unique depth of flavor.

This recipe is quick to prepare, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a meal prep option that you can enjoy throughout the week. Whether you’re a pesto lover or just looking for a healthy twist on traditional pasta, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s customizable — feel free to add vegetables, more protein, or even a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing zing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Protein

The combination of whole wheat spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts boosts the protein content of this pasta, making it a more filling and satisfying option.

2. Quick and Easy

In just 20 minutes, you can have a wholesome, delicious meal ready to enjoy, making it perfect for busy days.

3. Fresh and Flavorful

The fresh basil pesto gives the pasta an aromatic and vibrant flavor, enhanced by the nuttiness of pine nuts and the richness of Parmesan.

4. Nutritious and Healthy

Made with whole wheat pasta and healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, this dish offers a nutritious and well-rounded meal that’s great for your health.

5. Customizable

Add grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or extra greens to make this dish even more filling and nutritious.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat spaghetti
• Fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Pine nuts
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Variations

1. Vegan Option: Swap out the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese to make the dish vegan.
2. Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a protein boost.
3. Add Vegetables: Incorporate roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
4. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the pesto for a little heat.
5. Lemon Zest: Add a bit of fresh lemon zest to the pesto for a bright, citrusy twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pesto

In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.

Step 3: Make the Pesto Sauce

With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and well-combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the prepared pesto until it’s well coated.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the pesto pasta hot, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Fresh Basil: Use fresh, vibrant basil for the best flavor. The fresher the basil, the more aromatic the pesto will be.
• Perfect Pasta: Be sure to cook the spaghetti al dente for the best texture and bite. This helps the pesto cling to the pasta better.
• Customizing the Pesto: Feel free to experiment with other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, in place of pine nuts.
• Smooth Pesto: For a smoother pesto, you can add a little more olive oil until you reach your desired consistency.
• Balance the Salt: Be cautious when adding salt, especially since Parmesan cheese is already salty.

How to Serve

This High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal by pairing it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. If you want to add more protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed tofu would make great additions. A glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish nicely.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or a little water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

While the pesto itself can be frozen, the pasta may not hold up well to freezing. If you have leftover pesto, store it in a small container or ice cube tray for future use.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta over low heat with a little extra pesto or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto is a great time-saver if you’re short on time, though homemade pesto will offer a fresher taste.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of the whole wheat spaghetti to make it gluten-free.

3. Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

Yes, the pesto can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed chickpeas to increase the protein content of the meal.

5. Can I use other nuts besides pine nuts?

Yes, feel free to use other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different flavor.

6. How do I make the pesto creamier?

You can add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the pesto sauce if you want a creamier texture.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions to this pasta.

8. How long will the leftovers last?

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 2 days. Be sure to store them in an airtight container.

9. Can I freeze the pesto?

Yes, pesto freezes well. You can store it in an airtight container or ice cube tray for future use.

10. How do I know if the pasta is done?

Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning it should be firm but not hard. Taste a piece to check for doneness.

Conclusion

The High-Protein Green Pesto Pasta is a delicious, nutritious, and quick-to-make meal that combines the freshness of basil with the richness of Parmesan and the healthy fats of pine nuts and olive oil. It’s a well-rounded dish that’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. Whether you keep it simple or add extra protein and vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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