Zesty Walnut 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

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 I have these days when I get a burst of ideas (or there are too many things in the fridge and pantry to use up), and we end up with loads of food and loads of recipes in drafts waiting to be edited. Loads of photos to be edited. And then there are days, or weeks where I cook just for the meals. Some regular food, and time to write up posts. Except that I just want to sleep today. But lets get to this recipe before I catch the shut eye and cuddle up with Chewie, who is still down.

Today is an Easy pasta with loads of flavor. Use up the greens with this lemony basil pesto. I used rainbow chard, red bell pepper and zucchini. The pesto is basil, walnuts and lemon juice. Lime zest adds a punch to the overall flavor for an appetizing weeknight pasta. 

More pasta recipes from the blog

• Pumpkin Sage Pasta with pumpkin cream sauce and crisp Sage 
• Black pepper Mac and Cheese
• Chickpea Choriza, Quinoa shells in tomato sauce.
• Spinach Penne in Chipotle Habanero cream sauce
• Ziti Cheddar Brussels sprouts bake

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4.67 from 3 votes

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 Time15 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Total Time35 mins

Course: Pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 2

Calories: 507kcal

Author: Vegan Richa

Ingredients

Walnut pesto

• 1 cup (24 g) packed basil about 1 oz
• 2 tbsp evoo extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (29.25 g) walnuts
• 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) garlic powder
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp or more water

Pasta

• 2 cups (120 g) uncooked pasta 6 to 8 oz
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic finely chopped
• 1/2 (0.5 ) red bell pepper chopped
• 3 to 4 large chard leaves hard stems removed and chopped
• 1/2 (0.5 ) 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:

• 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

• Cook the pasta according to instructions on the package.
• 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.
• Add chopped chard, zucchini and pepper flakes. Mix. Cover and cook until the chard is wilted. Add a splash of water if needed.
• Add the prepared pesto and mix in.
• Add the cooked pasta and toss. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix in. Taste and adjust.
• 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

Nutrition Facts

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

Amount Per Serving

Calories 507 Calories from Fat 243

% Daily Value*

Fat 27g42%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Sodium 168mg7%

Potassium 715mg20%

Carbohydrates 55g18%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 13g26%

Vitamin A 6140IU123%

Vitamin C 73.8mg89%

Calcium 101mg10%

Iron 3.2mg18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.