Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta

Recipe Collection: Dinner

Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta, a vegetarian dish that combines fresh spinach with the silky texture of silken tofu for a nutritious twist on traditional pesto. This Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for those following a vegetarian diet and is free from dairy, soy, and gluten allergens.

The rich, creamy pesto pairs beautifully with penne pasta and can be customized with your favorite mushrooms and crispy bacon bits for an extra flavor boost. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this versatile recipe is sure to impress.

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Overview

This Pasta with Spinach Pesto Sauce is a healthy, low-fat alternative to traditional pesto. It's packed with fresh spinach and enhanced with the creamy texture of silken tofu. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal, this dish can be customized with your choice of mushrooms and topped with crispy bacon bits for added flavor.

Diet Type

Vegetarian

Allergies

Dairy, Soy, Gluten

Cuisine

Italian

Serving Size: 5

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 16 Ounces (oz) fresh spinach, pureed
• 6 Ounces (oz) low-fat firm silken tofu
• 2 Tablespoons (tbsp) fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon (tbsp) garlic, minced
• 0.125 Cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.5 Cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 Teaspoons (tsp) black pepper, ground
• 1 Teaspoon (tsp) Italian seasoning
• 10 Ounces (oz) fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 6 Ounces (oz) shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 0.5 Cups red onion, diced
• 0.25 Cups bacon bits
• 1 Pound (lb) penne pasta

Steps

1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, combine the spinach, tofu, lemon juice, garlic, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and Italian seasoning in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and set aside.
3. Spray a large non-stick sauté pan with cooking spray. Over medium heat, cook the onions and mushrooms until tender.
4. Reduce the heat to low, add the pesto mixture to the pan, and heat until hot.
5. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and bacon bits. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. If the sauce seems too thick, thin it to the desired consistency with pasta cooking water or additional broth.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Pasta with Spinach Pesto Sauce!