Lite Pesto Fettuccine
Light and flavorful pesto fettuccine with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that can be customized with seafood or extra cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine noodles as per package instructions.
- Drain the noodles and toss them in olive oil.
- Keep the noodles on low heat.
- In a blender, combine fresh basil, chicken stock, garlic, and pine nuts and blend until smooth.
- Pour the basil mixture over the hot noodles and toss to combine.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- For a creamier sauce, add half and half to the pesto and noodles, then toss.
- Add grated Parmesan and toss well.
- Keep on low heat.
- Optionally, add canned tuna or crab meat and toss.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat fettuccine or zucchini noodles as a substitute. If fresh basil isn't available, you can use basil pesto or even spinach for a different flavor. Toasting the pine nuts before blending will enhance their flavor. Remember to adjust the salt in the chicken stock if you’re using regular stock instead of low salt.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lite Pesto Fettuccine with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Breasts Florentine for a protein boost. Consider adding cherry tomatoes or arugula for extra color and flavor. This dish also works great as a base for grilled chicken or shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken stock or half and half to prevent drying out, and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lite Pesto Fettuccine contains roughly 798 calories, with 39g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (158% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 516mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese and using a plant-based half and half or a vegan cream alternative. For added protein, consider using chickpeas or tofu instead of crab meat.
What can I use instead of pine nuts?
If pine nuts are unavailable, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they will still complement the basil nicely.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Lite Pesto Fettuccine, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the pesto. You could also add sautéed spicy sausage or crushed pepper on top before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).