Skip to main content

Whole-Wheat Spaghetti with Lighter Pesto

WHY IT’S LIGHT With less oil, fewer nuts, and more basil, this better-for-you pesto cuts calories without sacrificing any of the fabulous flavor. Serve the sauce over whole-wheat pasta for more fiber. Extra pesto freezes nicely, so consider doubling the batch.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

Coarse salt and ground pepper
8 ounces whole-wheat spaghetti
Lighter Pesto (recipe follows)
Fresh basil leaves, cut into chiffonade, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot.

    Step 2

    Toss pasta with pesto, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a thin sauce that coats spaghetti (you may not need all the water). Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with basil, if desired.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 3

    (Per Serving)

    Step 4

    Calories: 351

    Step 5

    Fat: 16g (2.6g Saturated Fat)

    Step 6

    Protein: 11g

    Step 7

    Carbohydrates: 44.9g

    Step 8

    Fiber: 8.2g

Everyday Food: Light
Read More
Like no-brainer corn salad and Spanish frittata.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
The secret to juicy grilled chicken, a sheet-cake swap for banana pudding, and more reasons to light up the grill and have people over all summer long.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Choose your own adventure at the supermarket with marinated artichokes, beans, peppers, and of course, olives.
Like swordfish steaks with tomatoes and Peruvian-style tofu.
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.