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Zesty Pesto Pasta with Rainbow Chard, Zucchini, Red bell pepper

Zesty Pesto Pasta with Rainbow Chard, Zucchini, Red bell pepper. Fusilli with walnut basil lemony pesto, greens and veggies. Easy Weeknight Pasta. Vegan Recipe. can be gluten-free with gluten-free pasta

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 507 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Walnut pesto
  • 1 cup packed basil about 1 oz
  • 2 tbsp EVOO extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup walnuts
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp or more water
Pasta
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta 6 to 8 oz
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
  • 3 to 4 large chard leaves hard stems removed and chopped
  • 1/2 a large zucchini chopped
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • salt about 1/3 tsp and black pepper to taste
  • zest of 1/2 a lime or 1/4 lemon add more to preference

Instructions

Pesto:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Process all the ingredients in a food processor until coarsely blended. You can use all basil or 1/4 cup cilantro + 3/4 cup basil.
Pasta
  1. Cook the pasta according to instructions on the package.
  2. Meanwhile heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil when hot and tilt the pan to coat. Add garlic, bell pepper and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 minutes or until garlic is translucent.
  3. Add chopped chard, zucchini and pepper flakes. Mix. Cover and cook until the chard is wilted. Add a splash of water if needed.
  4. Add the prepared pesto and mix in.
  5. Add the cooked pasta and toss. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix in. Taste and adjust.
  6. Cover and cook for 2 minutes. Add in the zest and mix in. Taste and add more zest if needed. Garnish with <a href="" target=_blank">pepita parmesan or other nut based parm and serve.

Notes

  • Nutritional values based on one serving

Nutrition Information

Calories 507kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 55g (18%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 27g (42%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Sodium 168mg (7%) Potassium 715mg (20%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 6140IU (123%) Vitamin C 73.8mg (82%) Calcium 101mg (10%) Iron 3.2mg (18%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 507

% Daily Value*

Calories 507kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 55g 18%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 27g 42%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Sodium 168mg 7%
Potassium 715mg 15%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 6140IU 123%
Vitamin C 73.8mg 82%
Calcium 101mg 10%
Iron 3.2mg 18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.