Angel Hair Pasta with Basil and Walnut Pesto
This basil and walnut pesto recipe adds the extra health boost of spinach and the peppery surprise of arugula, in true heart-healthy style.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 cups trimmed fresh spinach
1 cup trimmed arugula
1⁄3 cup walnut pieces
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
370 g angel hair pasta or spaghettini
fresh basil sprigs to garnish
1⁄2 lemon to serve
2 cups trimmed fresh spinach
1 cup trimmed arugula
1⁄3 cup walnut pieces
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
370 g angel hair pasta or spaghettini
fresh basil sprigs to garnish
1⁄2 lemon to serve
Directions
cooking time 10 mins
serves 4
- Place the basil, spinach and arugula in a colander. Wash the leaves well under cold running water. Shake to dry. Transfer the leaves to a food processor.
- Add the walnuts, Parmesan cheese and garlic and process until finely chopped. With the machine still running, slowly drizzle the oil through the feed tube, processing until the pesto is thick.
- Meanwhile, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package directions; drain. Toss the pasta with the basil and walnut pesto in a large serving bowl until evenly coated. Garnish with the basil sprigs, squeeze the lemon juice over the pasta and serve.
cooking time 10 mins
serves 4
Nutritional information
PER SERVING
400 calories
13 g protein
14 g total fat
2 g saturated fat
5 mg cholesterol
54 g total carbohydrate
1 g sugars
6 g fibre
90 mg sodium
This dish provides a heavy dose of thiamine, essential in converting glucose into energy.
Source: Cook Smart for a Healthy Heart, Reader's Digest Canada
