Dinner Ideas Healthy Clean Eating Pasta Delight

In today’s fast-paced world, healthy eating has taken center stage as more individuals strive to maintain a balanced diet amidst their busy lifestyles. One of the easiest ways to enhance our meals is by incorporating whole grains, which provide essential nutrients that are often lost during the refining process of traditional grains. The "Zesty Lemon Basil Whole Wheat Pasta Delight" is a perfect example of how a nutritious meal can be both delicious and satisfying. This recipe celebrates the vibrant flavors of lemon and basil, transforming simple whole wheat pasta into a refreshing dish that is ideal for both weeknight dinners and meal prep.

Discover the delicious and nourishing Zesty Lemon Basil Whole Wheat Pasta Delight, a perfect blend of whole grains and fresh ingredients. This recipe transforms simple whole wheat pasta into a flavorful meal bursting with the vibrant tastes of lemon and basil. Packed with health benefits from fiber-rich pasta and fresh veggies, it's ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Learn how to create a dish that's as wholesome as it is satisfying, and enjoy a delightful culinary experience.

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Ingredients

8 oz whole wheat pasta (penne or fusilli work well)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed

1 small zucchini, diced

1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (any color)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the diced zucchini and bell pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Toss in the cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are softened, about 3 more minutes.

Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the lemon juice and toss everything together. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Season: Stir in the freshly chopped basil and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss until evenly combined.

Serve: Plate the pasta delight and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4