Low Fat Tortellini with Pesto

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and healthy Low Fat Tortellini with Pesto! Featuring tender low-fat or whole wheat cheese tortellini, this dish is dressed in a creamy, nutrient-packed pesto made with fresh basil, baby spinach, and a hint of garlic. Unlike traditional pesto, this lighter version uses a touch of low-sodium vegetable broth and just one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, keeping it low in fat without sacrificing rich, herbaceous flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens every bite, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a hint of indulgence. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick, wholesome recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you crave a satisfying pasta dish that doesn't weigh you down. Whether you're a pesto lover or just trying to eat lighter, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Cheese tortellini (low-fat or whole wheat)
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Baby spinach
• 1 clove Garlic
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tbsp Pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
• 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp Low-sodium vegetable broth
• 0.25 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.

Step 2

Add the tortellini to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3

While the tortellini is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil, baby spinach, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Pulse the mixture in the food processor until it is smooth and creamy. If the pesto is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of vegetable broth until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 5

Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot or a large mixing bowl.

Step 6

Add the pesto to the hot tortellini, tossing gently to coat all the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and give it one final toss to brighten the flavors.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(485.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1100.7

Total Fat 39.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 59.0mg	0%
Sodium 2144.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 142.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.8g	0%
Total Sugars 7.6g
Protein 41.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 540.3mg	0%
Iron 9.8mg	0%
Potassium 758.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.8%

Protein: 15.1%

Carbs: 52.1%