Heart-Healthy Herb-Infused Pasta

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant and nutritious Heart-Healthy Herb-Infused Pasta, a wholesome dish packed with fresh flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients. This recipe combines the nutty goodness of whole-wheat pasta with sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and earthy baby spinach, creating a deliciously satisfying base. A generous mix of fresh basil and parsley adds an aromatic herbal twist, while a touch of zesty lemon juice brightens each bite. Toasted walnuts provide a heart-healthy crunch, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese ties it all together. Ready in just 30 minutes, this Mediterranean-inspired pasta is perfect for busy nights, offering a balance of health-focused ingredients without compromising taste. Whether you're looking for a quick vegetarian dinner or a nourishing addition to your meal plan, this recipe is sure to please.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole-wheat pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat, add a pinch of salt, and cook the whole-wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 4

Stir in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt slightly for about 2 minutes.

Step 5

Once the pasta is done, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, drain the rest, and add the pasta to the skillet.

Step 6

Toss the pasta with fresh basil, parsley, lemon juice, and zest, until well combined with the vegetables.

Step 7

If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Season with red pepper flakes, chopped walnuts, salt, and black pepper.

Step 9

Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy your heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1305.5 grams (1305.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1255

Total Fat 79.10g	101%
Saturated Fat 11.90g	60%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 20mg	7%
Sodium 1787mg	78%
Total Carbohydrate 114.60g	42%
Dietary Fiber 35.80g	128%
Total Sugars 17.30g
Protein 50.20g	100%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1789mg	138%
Iron 34mg	189%
Potassium 3972mg	85%

*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: 51.9%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 33.4%