If you haven't tried Banza Chickpea pasta... do it. DO IT NOW. It's made from chickpeas which means it's gluten free and packed with protein (25g per 3.5oz serving). We rarely eat pasta but when we do, I like to at least know we are contributing our protein intake. Costco also has a really good Edamame pasta with a similar nutrition profile that would work well for this dish.
This pasta was easy and so delicious. That said, I somewhat would consider this a "special occasion" dish. While each serving has 16g or protein it is high fat ( from the walnuts & olive oil in the pesto) and subsequently relatively caloric.... although if you're comparing it to your favorite cheesy italian dish, I'm pretty sure this would still come out on top, nutritionally.
Yields: 5-6 servings
Ingredients:
Spinach Basil Walnut Pesto:
Spinach Walnut Basil Pesto
1 cup Spinach
1 cup Toasted Walnuts (reduce to 3/4 cup to reduce fat)
1 bunch Basil leaves ( 13 grams)
1/2 Lemon (juiced)
1/2 clove Garlic
3/8 cup Olive Oil ( 6 Tablespoons)
1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/4 teaspoon Pepper
Other Ingredients:
1 box Banza Penne Pasta
1.5 cups Cherry Tomatos ( halved)
1 med Green Pepper (diced)
1/4 Red Onion (diced)
1 Teaspoon minced Garlic ( or other half of clove)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
Salt + Pepper to taste
Squeeze of Lemon, to taste.
To make the pesto:
Toast Walnuts in 375 degree oven until lightly toasted ( when you can smell them). Combine all ingredients in a blender. Set Aside.
Pasta Prep:
Make Pasta according to box directions. In a saute pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and garlic . Add Green Pepper and saute for 5 mins. Add Cherry Tomatoes and saute another 5 mins. Green peppers & tomatos should still taste fresh and have some "snap". Remove from heat. Add pasta & pesto. Stir to combine. Add Salt, Pepper and a squeeze of lemon to taste. Best Served Warm.
Nutrition ( Based on 6 servings)
Calories: 395
Fat: 29g
Carbs: 27g
Protein: 13g
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