Vibrant Lima Bean & Arugula Pesto Pasta
Elevate your pesto experience with this Vibrant Lima Bean & Arugula Pesto Pasta! This heart-healthy recipe swaps traditional nuts for creamy lima beans, making it a cholesterol-lowering powerhouse rich in fiber and protein. The fresh arugula adds a delightful peppery kick, perfect for those seeking a bold flavor. With an optional splash of sriracha for an extra hint of heat, this dish can be easily customized to suit your palate. Perfect for lunch or a satisfying snack, this pasta comes together quickly, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious meal in no time. The combination of fresh herbs, cheeses, and healthy fats creates a luscious pesto that clings beautifully to your cavatappi pasta. Watch this delicious dish disappear from the table!
6
Servings
450
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cavatappi pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
Lima beans
1/2 cup (defrosted)
Garlic cloves
2-3 (peeled)
Fresh basil
1 1/2 cups (packed)
Baby arugula
1/2 cup (packed)
Parmesan-Romano cheese mix
1 cup (grated)
Part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup (none)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
Sriracha hot chili sauce
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the defrosted lima beans and garlic cloves. Process until smooth.
2
Add the packed basil, baby arugula, and grated cheeses to the mixture. Pulse again until well combined.
3
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, blending until you achieve a creamy, paste-like consistency.
4
Taste the pesto and season with salt to your liking. If desired, incorporate sriracha sauce for an extra kick.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot cooked cavatappi pasta and the pesto, tossing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated cheese, and enjoy this vibrant and nutritious meal.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
55g
Carbs
15g
Protein
5g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Lima Bean & Arugula Pesto Pasta?
It is a heart-healthy pasta dish that uses a unique nut-free pesto made from creamy lima beans, fresh basil, and peppery arugula.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes, this recipe is nut-free as it replaces traditional pesto nuts with creamy lima beans.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
Cavatappi pasta is recommended for this recipe because the pesto clings beautifully to its shape.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
Is this recipe considered heart-healthy?
Yes, it is a heart-healthy, cholesterol-lowering powerhouse rich in fiber and protein.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add sriracha hot chili sauce to taste for an extra hint of heat.
How much fiber is in a serving?
There are 5g of fiber per serving.
What gives the pesto its peppery flavor?
The addition of fresh baby arugula provides a delightful peppery kick.
How should the lima beans be prepared?
The lima beans should be defrosted before being added to the food processor.
What cheeses are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a Parmesan-Romano cheese mix and part-skim ricotta cheese.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 to 3 peeled garlic cloves.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 55g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I achieve a creamy pesto consistency?
By slowly drizzling in the olive oil while the food processor is running until a paste-like consistency is reached.
Can I serve this meal for lunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect option for a nutritious lunch or a satisfying snack.
What is the suggested garnish?
The dish is best served garnished with extra grated cheese.
How much basil should I use?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of packed fresh basil.
What is the amount of sugar per serving?
There is only 1g of sugar per serving.
Should the pasta be hot when mixing?
Yes, combine the pesto with hot cooked cavatappi pasta to ensure even coating.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be peeled before processing with the lima beans.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
Is the ricotta cheese whole milk or part-skim?
The recipe specifically calls for part-skim ricotta cheese.
What kitchen appliance is necessary for the pesto?
A food processor is needed to blend the ingredients into a smooth pesto.
How much arugula is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of packed baby arugula.
How much lima beans are required?
You will need 1/2 cup of defrosted lima beans.
Is salt added to the pesto?
Yes, you should taste the pesto and season with salt to your liking before mixing with pasta.