How to Make Pasta with Spinach Pesto Sauce - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something truly magical about a bowl of pasta - it's satisfying, comforting, and incredibly versatile. And when you pair it with a vibrant, flavorful sauce, it becomes even more irresistible. That's where this Pasta with Spinach Pesto Sauce comes in. This dish is the perfect marriage of creamy, rich pesto and tender, al dente pasta, making it a delightful meal that's sure to please the entire family.

The star of this recipe is the homemade spinach pesto sauce, which is not onl...

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Ingredients

  • 16 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped
  • 6 ounces low-fat, firm silken tofu
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ⅛ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 10 ounces fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 6 ounces fresh sliced shiitake mushrooms
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • ¼ cup bacon bits
  • 1 pound penne pasta

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 5
  • Yield: 4 to 6 - servings

  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • While pasta is cooking, in food processor or blender, combine spinach, tofu, lemon juice, garlic, broth, cheese, pepper, and Italian seasoning, process until smooth. Set aside.
  • Spray a large non-stick saute pan with cooking spray. Over medium heat, cook onions and mushrooms until tender. Reduce heat to low, add pesto mixture and heat until hot.
  • Toss pasta with sauce and bacon bits. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. NOTE: If sauce seems too thick, thin to desired consistency with pasta cooking water or broth.
  • Nutrition

    451 cal.

    • Total Fat: 7g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 11mg
    • Sodium: 417mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 77g
    • Dietary Fiber: 7g
    • Total Sugars: 6g
    • Protein: 25g
    • Vitamin C: 32mg
    • Calcium: 223mg
    • Iron: 6mg
    • Potassium: 924mg