Prawn linguine and basil pesto
A quick and healthy pasta dish that is low in salt, potassium and phosphate.
Chef
Ingredients
175g linguine
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, finely sliced
150g cherry tomatoes, halved
100ml white wine
80g rocket
2 tablespoons reduced-fat crème fraîche
½ lemon
Black pepper (to taste)
150g raw chilled prawns, peeled (if using frozen prawns, make sure they are thoroughly defrosted before cooking)
20g fresh chives
20g fresh basil
2 tablespoons basil pesto
Method
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Step 1
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Cook the pasta for the time stated on the packaging, approximately 10-12 minutes, or until al dente.
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Step 2
Heat the oil in a pan and gently fry the garlic and cherry tomatoes for two minutes.
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Step 3
Pour in the wine and add half the rocket. Allow it to bubble over a high heat for one minute, then lower the heat and stir in the crème fraiche.
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Step 4
Squeeze in the lemon juice and season with black pepper. Allow the sauce to reduce a little, then add the prawns and simmer on a low heat for 10 minutes. The prawns are cooked when they are pink and opaque.
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Step 5
Finely chop the chives and tear the fresh basil leaves. Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce with the chives and pesto. Stir it all together and combine over a low heat for one minute.
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Step 6
Divide between two bowls, sprinkle with the fresh basil and remaining rocket, then serve.
Food facts
The pasta is the main source of carbohydrate in this dish and the value has been provided for those who have been trained in insulin adjustment.
Prawns are a high phosphate food and rocket and cherry tomatoes are high potassium foods, however, the total quantities used mean that this dish is low in phosphate and potassium overall.
Whilst low in phosphate, this recipe does contain some phosphate so if you have been prescribed a phosphate binder, ensure you take them with this dish.
The prawns in this dish makes it a high protein meal, therefore it is suitable for those receiving dialysis.
Use a gluten-free pasta.
Consider using wholewheat linguine or spaghetti which would increase the fibre.
This dish works well with any pasta you have available. The prawns are likely to be the most expensive ingredient, therefore look for special offers or purchase frozen prawns which may be cheaper. Also consider using white wine from a mini bottle rather than buying a standard-size bottle of wine.
This dish is best eaten fresh and on the same day.
If you’ve had a transplant, you should buy the prawns pre-packaged, rather than from a fresh fish counter, to avoid any risk of bacterial contamination.
More kidney-friendly food and recipes
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Lowering your potassium levels
Potassium is a mineral that can build up in your body if your kidneys are not working properly. Some medicines can also increase your potassium levels. Read on for advice to help lower your potassium levels.
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