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Cooking at Home - Spaghetti and Spinach Pesto

© iStock - Rawpixel

Makes:8 Servings

This pesto spaghetti dish is made with spinach for a unique spin on a classic. Top with feta and serve with a side salad for a colorful meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti, uncooked (or your favorite pasta shape)
  • 1 package 10-oz frozen spinach, thawed, well drained
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 tablespoons tub margarine
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese

Directions

  1. In a blender (or food processor), combine spinach, oil, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt and basil. Mix at medium speed until finely chopped. 
  2. Melt margarine in water. With blender or processor running, gradually pour in melted margarine mixture until blended. 
  3. Cook pasta according to package directions. 
  4. Toss pesto with cooked pasta. 
  5. Sprinkle feta on top and serve.

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Serve with grilled chicken, side salad, skim milk, apple slices. 

Source: The "Grain Chain," a group of MyPlate National Strategic Partners committed to promoting and supporting grains, offers a series of recipes featuring whole grains.

Nutrition Information

Nutrients

Amount

Total Calories

294

Total Fat

9 g

Saturated Fat

3 g

Cholesterol

8 mg

Sodium

417 mg

Carbohydrates

45 g

Dietary Fiber

8 g

Total Sugars

2 g

Added Sugars included

0 g

Protein

12 g

Vitamin D

1 mcg

Calcium

202 mg

Iron

2 mg

Potassium

203 mg