Pasta in Almond Garlic Sauce

Health score
25%
Pasta in Almond Garlic Sauce
20 min.
6
615kcal

Suggestions

This pasta dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The almond garlic sauce is creamy and flavorful, with a hint of nuttiness from the almonds and a punch of garlicky goodness. The addition of basil and mint leaves gives it a fresh, herbal touch, while the lemon juice adds a bright, tangy twist. The pasta is cooked to al dente perfection and topped with a generous sprinkling of chopped almonds and grated Parmesan cheese, adding a satisfying crunch and salty kick to the dish.

This recipe is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal, as it comes together in just 20 minutes. It's also versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences. Feel free to add more or less garlic, adjust the amount of lemon juice, or experiment with different types of pasta shapes. You can even toss in some extra vegetables, like roasted broccoli or sun-dried tomatoes, to boost the nutritional profile and add a pop of color to the dish.

The best part about this pasta is that it's a crowd-pleaser and can be enjoyed by both adults and kids alike. It's perfect for a casual dinner with family or a cozy night in with friends. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite wine for a truly satisfying and memorable meal.

Ingredients

  • ounces almonds chopped
  • 0.5 cup basil divided (torn if large)
  • 0.5 cup basil divided (torn if large)
  • ounces blanched almonds and whole
  • pound pasta 
  •  garlic clove smashed
  • tablespoon juice of lemon fresh
  • 0.3 cup mint leaves divided (torn if large)
  • tablespoons olive oil extra virgin extra-virgin
  • 0.5 cup parmesan grated for serving
  • 10 ounces peas frozen
  • tablespoon butter unsalted divided
  • 0.8 cup water 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • whisk
  • pot
  • blender

Directions

  1. Purée blanched almonds and garlic with water and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a blender until smooth.
  2. Cook cavatappi in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (3 tablespoons salt for 6 quarts water) until almost al dente. Reserve 3 cups pasta-cooking water and drain pasta.
  3. Meanwhile, heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet (preferably straight-sided) over medium heat until foam subsides.
  4. Add almond purée and simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add 2 1/2 cups reserved cooking water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and simmer, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.
  6. Whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter until melted.
  7. Add pasta and peas and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente (sauce will be thin), 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Add cheese and lemon juice and stir until combined well.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in half of basil and mint and salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve pasta in bowls topped with chopped almonds, remaining herbs, and additional cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Calories615kcal
Protein13.97%
Fat41.08%
Carbs44.95%

Properties

Glycemic Index
48.89
Glycemic Load
24.84
Inflammation Score
-8
Nutrition Score
25.517826085505%

Flavonoids

Cyanidin
0.23mg
Catechin
0.13mg
Epigallocatechin
0.24mg
Epicatechin
0.06mg
Eriodictyol
0.92mg
Hesperetin
0.62mg
Naringenin
0.08mg
Apigenin
0.14mg
Luteolin
0.32mg
Isorhamnetin
0.25mg
Kaempferol
0.04mg
Myricetin
0.02mg
Quercetin
0.07mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:614.53kcal
30.73%
Fat:28.53g
43.89%
Saturated Fat:6.97g
43.54%
Carbohydrates:70.24g
23.41%
Net Carbohydrates:61.78g
22.46%
Sugar:6.14g
6.83%
Cholesterol:20.72mg
6.91%
Sodium:147.64mg
6.42%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Protein:21.83g
43.66%
Manganese:1.55mg
77.62%
Selenium:51.79µg
73.99%
Vitamin E:7.94mg
52.95%
Phosphorus:396.35mg
39.63%
Magnesium:141.01mg
35.25%
Fiber:8.47g
33.87%
Copper:0.63mg
31.51%
Vitamin K:31.86µg
30.34%
Vitamin C:21.85mg
26.49%
Vitamin B2:0.39mg
23.03%
Calcium:215.01mg
21.5%
Zinc:2.83mg
18.83%
Vitamin A:920.37IU
18.41%
Vitamin B1:0.26mg
17.32%
Vitamin B3:3.39mg
16.97%
Iron:3.03mg
16.81%
Folate:64.65µg
16.16%
Potassium:521.7mg
14.91%
Vitamin B6:0.26mg
12.94%
Vitamin B5:0.55mg
5.53%
Vitamin B12:0.11µg
1.87%
Source:Epicurious