Heart-Healthy Creamy Lemon Pasta

Indulge in a guilt-free comfort dish with Heart-Healthy Creamy Lemon Pasta, a vibrant and nutritious twist on classic creamy pasta recipes. This satisfying meal features tender whole wheat pasta enveloped in a velvety lemon-infused sauce made with non-fat Greek yogurt and a splash of low-sodium vegetable broth. Bursting with fresh ingredients like baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and bright lemon zest, this dish balances rich, creamy flavors with zesty, refreshing notes. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fragrant basil, it's a wholesome option that's perfect for busy weeknights or a light yet flavorful dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes and packed with a medley of heart-healthy ingredients, this pasta is a winning combination of taste, health, and simplicity.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Whole wheat pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp Lemon zest
• 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt (non-fat)
• 3 cups Baby spinach
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Pour the vegetable broth into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.

Step 5

Carefully whisk in the Greek yogurt to the broth mixture until smooth and creamy. Do not let it boil to prevent yogurt from curdling.

Step 6

Add the baby spinach and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are slightly softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the creamy lemon sauce and vegetables. If needed, use the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired sauce consistency.

Step 8

Season with salt, black pepper, and sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine.

Step 9

Remove from heat and serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil and the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1213.2 grams (1213.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1025

Total Fat 38.80g	50%
Saturated Fat 10.50g	53%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 28mg	9%
Sodium 1989mg	86%
Total Carbohydrate 117.70g	43%
Dietary Fiber 20.50g	73%
Total Sugars 14.90g
Protein 60.10g	120%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 918mg	71%
Iron 11mg	60%
Potassium 1727mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.9%

Protein: 22.7%

Carbs: 44.4%