Light And Fresh: Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Basil is a great and tasty way to support your cardiovascular health. It lowers your blood pressure and cholesterol, aids in digestion, reduces  oxidative stress, and may even help manage your blood-sugar levels. Try this delicious dish to make your heart and your mouth happy!

TOTAL TIME:

PREP/TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN.

RECIPE BY Gloria Jones Grenga, Newnan, Georgia

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

3/4 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

1.  Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 1 tablespoon oil, basil, lemon juice, garlic and salt; cover and process until smooth.

2.  In a large skillet, saute asparagus in remaining oil until crisp-tender. Add shrimp and pepper flakes. Cook and stir until shrimp turn pink, 2-4 minutes.

3.  Drain spaghetti; place in a large bowl. Add basil mixture; toss to coat. Add shrimp mixture and mix well.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 393 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 406mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.