Spaghetti with homemade pesto

PCOS symptoms can often be improved through diet and lifestyle changes by lower inflammation and stabilizing blood sugar! However, we know that it can be difficult to know exactly what to include in your diet. That's why we're sharing PCOS-friendly recipes that you can easily prepare.

Created by our health coach, Simona, this homemade pesto and chickpea spaghetti dish is full of protein, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory properties! If you’ve never made pesto at home, it’s easier than it sounds! You can enjoy this recipe year-round, but it’s especially perfect for the summer months when you can take advantage of the seasonal basil.

Keep reading for the full recipe…

What you need to make this recipe

First, let’s go over the six ingredients you will need to make this pasta dish and how they can benefit your overall health. 

• Chickpea spaghetti: Swapping out regular pasta for chickpea pasta is a great way to incorporate more protein and fiber into your meal to help boost satiety.
• Parmesan cheese: In addition to fat and calcium, this parmesan cheese is also rich in vitamin B6, B12, vitamin A, and zinc. In addition to supporting your immune system, these vitamins and minerals are also beneficial for your eyes and bones. 
• Basil: Several antioxidants are found in basil including beta-carotene, beta-lutein, and beta-cryptoxanthin, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Garlic: Garlic reduces inflammation in the body, cholesterol, and blood pressure, and has antibiotic properties, making it an excellent addition to meals.
• Pine nuts: These small but mighty nuts are high in protein, iron, and magnesium, pine nuts are a great source of energy. Additionally, the vitamin E in pine nuts promotes good skin health. 
• Olive oil: As an anti-inflammatory food, olive oil can reduce C-reactive protein in the body, which is a sign of overall inflammation.

Other ways to make this recipe

You can always swap out any ingredients in recipes to suit your personal taste! Below are a few alternative ingredients that you can try:

• Use regular spaghetti or penne instead of chickpea pasta
• Omit cheese for a dairy-free and vegan alternative.
• Add flavor and color with sliced cherry tomatoes.
• Swap out pine nuts with cashews or walnuts.

How to Make this Recipe 

For the pesto:

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped
• 1 tbsp. pine nuts
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. To make the pesto, combine basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and salt in a food processor. Combine until the mixture is smooth.
2. Store in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator until ready to use. 

For the pasta:

Ingredients

• 1 serving of Barilla Chickpea Spaghetti (about 56 grams)
• Parmesan cheese to garnish (optional)
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring water to a boil and add salt (about 1 tablespoon). Cook spaghetti according to package directions once the water starts to boil. 
2. Drain well, then return to the pot.
3. Mix in pesto and stir until combined. 
4. Place spaghetti on a plate and garnish with parmesan cheese.

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