PESTO PERFECTION: LIGHT & EASY CREAMY PESTO PASTA FOR A HEALTHY ST. PATRICK'S DAY DINNER
Intro
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a culinary masterpiece that is both delicious and nutritious – our Light and Easy Creamy Pesto Pasta. This dish offers a wholesome twist on a classic favorite, incorporating zucchini, spinach, yogurt or cottage cheese, and a touch of pesto paste in a creamy and luscious sauce.
Made with whole wheat pasta, this meal is a perfect choice for those seeking a best dinner option that is quick to prepare, light on the stomach, and bursting with flavor.
A Wholesome Twist
So elevate your St. Patrick’s Day with this Light and Creamy Pesto Pasta. Tantalize your taste buds with a delectable and nutritious dish this St. Patrick’s Day – a flavorful creation that combines the goodness of zucchini, spinach, and the richness of yogurt or cottage cheese with a touch of pesto paste in a luscious sauce.
Join us on a culinary journey where green goodness meets quick fix solutions for lazy dinner ideas, ensuring a delightful and satisfying meal that embodies all the healthy things you crave. Get ready to elevate your St. Patrick’s Day celebration with a skinnyish dish that promises to be a new favorite in your cooking light recipes repertoire.
My Connection
As someone who is constantly health-conscious, I am always on the lookout for ways to transform heavier or more caloric dishes into lighter, more nutritious alternatives. My passion for healthy eating drives me to create recipes that not only satisfy cravings but also support my daily calorie budget.
This journey towards balance and wellness has inspired me to craft dishes like our Light and Easy Creamy Pesto Pasta, where I infuse traditional flavors with wholesome ingredients to achieve a harmonious blend of taste and nutrition.
By sharing this recipe, I hope to empower others to enjoy delicious meals that align with their health goals and provide a sense of culinary fulfillment without compromising on flavor or enjoyment.
A Green Goddess
The best part? It’s easy to double up on veggies with zucchini and spinach in your pesto sauce. Made with whole wheat pasta, this dish not only satisfies your craving for something good to eat but also offers a healthy twist on a classic favorite.
Perfect for those seeking the best dinner options or looking for quick recipe ideas, this skinnyish dish is a perfect addition to your repertoire of light dinner recipes.
A Quick Fix
Lazy dinner ideas with this skinnyish dish for a healthy meal bring together the freshest ingredients and simple yet satisfying flavors. This dish is a celebration of all the healthy things you love, making it an ideal choice for a cozy and nutritious meal at home:
- Vibrant: This meal will surely impress your taste buds with its vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients.
- Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a dinner party, this dish is versatile and will cater to all tastes.
- Delightful: Enjoy a delightful meal that not only fuels your body but also brings joy to your taste buds.
Be Healthier at Home Tonight
Enjoy all the healthy things this easy light dinner idea has to offer. Customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or protein for a personalized touch and embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this skinnyish dinner option.
So, when you ask yourself, “What sounds good for dinner tonight?” – the answer is clear: Light and Easy Creamy Pesto Pasta!
Creamy Pesto Pasta
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 box whole wheat pasta I use the Barilla brand, cooked
- 1/4 cup pasta water reserved from boiling your pasta
- 1-2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 6 oz zucchini steamed (I use the sliced, frozen zucchini in a bag)
- 6 oz chopped spinach steamed or frozen in a bag
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese or yogurt
- 3 tablespoons pesto paste or pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds optional
Instructions
- In the food processor, blend the zucchini, spinach, pesto paste or sauce and cottage cheese or yogurt.
- After draining your pasta, warm up the blended sauce on the stove with the butter and reserved pasta water, just until warmed and the butter is melted.
- Add back the cooked pasta and mix until combined.
- Mix in the parmesan cheese and almonds, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Add meatballs, ground beef, or any plant based protein to create a wholesome meal.
- Store the pasta for up to 2 weeks in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Blend the sauce and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready, defrost and heat up per the steps above and add to fresh pasta.
Looking for additional everyday easy recipes? Explore more everyday easy recipes on my weekly feature blog page or the full everyday easy recipe collection here!
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