Pasta with Spinach Pesto Sauce

4.0
(74)
57 Reviews
11 Photos

A healthy, low-fat alternative to high-fat pesto sauce. Can also be made with basil or cilantro.

Submitted by Sheila Martin
Updated on July 14, 2022
11
11
11
11
Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
5
Yield:
4 to 6 - servings
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 5 servings

  • 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

Directions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

77 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

451 Calories
7g Fat
77g Carbs
25g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 5
Calories 451
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 12%
Cholesterol 11mg 4%
Sodium 417mg 18%
Total Carbohydrate 77g 28%
Dietary Fiber 7g 23%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 25g 50%
Vitamin C 32mg 35%
Calcium 223mg 17%
Iron 6mg 36%
Potassium 924mg 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.