Penne in Creamy Basil-Walnut Sauce

Health score
27%
Penne in Creamy Basil-Walnut Sauce
45 min.
6
394kcal

Suggestions


Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Penne in Creamy Basil-Walnut Sauce, a dish that perfectly balances rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a celebration of fresh basil and the nutty crunch of walnuts, creating a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of penne. Whether you're looking for a satisfying main course or a side dish that will impress your guests, this dish fits the bill.

In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a plateful of comfort that serves six, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual lunch dates. The combination of fat-free milk and pecorino Romano cheese adds a creamy texture without overwhelming richness, while the freshly ground black pepper and garlic infuse the sauce with aromatic depth. Plus, the addition of coarsely chopped walnuts not only enhances the flavor but also provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth sauce.

Perfect for any occasion, this Penne in Creamy Basil-Walnut Sauce is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side. With a caloric breakdown that keeps it light yet satisfying, you can indulge without the guilt. So gather your ingredients, fire up your food processor, and get ready to impress your taste buds with this deliciously creamy pasta dish!

Ingredients

  • cups basil loosely packed
  • 0.3 teaspoon pepper black freshly ground
  • tablespoon olive oil extravirgin
  • 0.5 cup skim milk fat-free
  •  garlic clove peeled
  • tablespoons pecorino cheese fresh grated
  • pound penne pasta uncooked
  • 0.8 teaspoon salt 
  • 0.5 cup walnut pieces coarsely chopped
  • ounce sandwich bread white

Equipment

  • food processor
  • bowl
  • colander

Directions

  1. Trim crusts from bread.
  2. Place bread in a shallow dish; pour milk over bread.
  3. Let stand 5 minutes.
  4. Place bread mixture in a food processor; add basil and next 6 ingredients (basil through garlic). Set aside without processing.
  5. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
  6. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 3 tablespoons cooking liquid.
  7. Place pasta in a large bowl.
  8. Add reserved cooking liquid to basil mixture in food processor, and process until smooth.
  9. Add the pesto to pasta; toss well to coat.
  10. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
  11. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories394kcal
Protein13.5%
Fat24.02%
Carbs62.48%

Properties

Glycemic Index
54.84
Glycemic Load
24.95
Inflammation Score
-6
Nutrition Score
14.826956583106%

Flavonoids

Cyanidin
0.26mg
Myricetin
0.01mg
Quercetin
0.01mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:393.81kcal
19.69%
Fat:10.52g
16.19%
Saturated Fat:1.47g
9.18%
Carbohydrates:61.6g
20.53%
Net Carbohydrates:58.26g
21.19%
Sugar:3.6g
4%
Cholesterol:2.35mg
0.78%
Sodium:346.79mg
15.08%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:13.31g
26.62%
Selenium:50.1µg
71.57%
Manganese:1.17mg
58.33%
Vitamin K:35.13µg
33.46%
Phosphorus:221.84mg
22.18%
Copper:0.41mg
20.7%
Magnesium:65.28mg
16.32%
Fiber:3.34g
13.36%
Zinc:1.62mg
10.77%
Vitamin B6:0.2mg
9.81%
Iron:1.72mg
9.58%
Calcium:95.72mg
9.57%
Vitamin A:473.06IU
9.46%
Vitamin B1:0.14mg
9.41%
Vitamin B3:1.72mg
8.61%
Folate:34.4µg
8.6%
Potassium:279.44mg
7.98%
Vitamin B2:0.11mg
6.53%
Vitamin B5:0.51mg
5.08%
Vitamin E:0.57mg
3.78%
Vitamin B12:0.14µg
2.28%
Vitamin C:1.72mg
2.09%
Vitamin D:0.23µg
1.55%
Source:My Recipes