Low Fat Pesto and Pasta

Low Fat Pesto and Pasta

Cooked Pasta
Pesto Sauce (recipe below)
Parmesan Cheese


I won’t tell you how much pasta to use. Just follow the package directions but try to use rigatoni, ziti or small shells –any kind of pasta that will hold the sauce.

Pesto Sauce is well known for being highly caloric. It consists of mostly olive oil so here’s a low-fat version. I promise you will never miss the oil.

2/3c broth or veg. stock (try to find low sodium)
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1c fresh basil, slightly chopped
1/3c parmesan cheese
1-2T olive oil (I throw this in for texture and added flavor but you don’t have to)
2T pine nuts, chopped (optional)

Throw everything into the blender until thickened. If too thick, add more stock. If not thick enough, add parmesan. Pour over cooked pasta. Top with more parmesan. You can add sliced, sauteed Italian turkey sausage for more protein. Add a salad and you have a meal.

Enjoy!