Pasta with creamy spinach pesto
6
Points®
Total Time
18 min
Prep
10 min
Cook
8 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
When you want a change from basil pesto, you should try this spinach-based pesto recipe instead. It's comforting, delicious, and terrific with long pasta like the spaghetti or linguine we call for here, but it's also great as a sandwich spread, vegetable soup condiment, or even a dip. The pesto is also made with staples like cream cheese spread, olive oil, and garlic, then the whole pasta dish is topped with bright, fresh lemon juice. You can sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and/or stir in some roasted cherry tomatoes, just keep in mind that this changes the calorie count.
Ingredients
Table salt
1¼ tsp, divided, or more to taste
Reduced fat whipped cream cheese
2½ Tbsp
Uncooked whole wheat pasta
8 oz, spaghetti or linguine recommended
Spinach
4½ cup(s), baby variety, washed and dried
Water
2 Tbsp
Olive oil
1½ tsp, extra virgin
Garlic
2 small clove(s)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tsp, or to taste