Low Sodium Pesto Tortellini

Elevate your pasta night with this irresistibly vibrant Low Sodium Pesto Tortellini, a wholesome twist on a beloved classic! Perfectly tender cheese tortellini is tossed in a homemade pesto sauce made with aromatic fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, and creamy unsalted sunflower seeds for a heart-healthy, nut-free take. Bright bursts of flavor from juicy cherry tomatoes and gently wilted spinach bring a fresh balance to every bite, while a hint of black pepper replaces traditional salt for a subtly spiced finish. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a simple, food-processor-friendly process, this quick and easy dish makes an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both low in sodium and packed with garden-fresh goodness. Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or a cozy solo dinner, this recipe proves that eating healthy can be as indulgent as it is flavorful.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Cheese tortellini
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup Unsalted sunflower seeds
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.5 cup Olive oil
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Fresh spinach leaves

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 7 to 9 minutes, until al dente.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, unsalted sunflower seeds, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and black pepper. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.

Step 3

With the processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 4

Once the tortellini are cooked, drain them and place them back in the pot. Add the cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves to the warm tortellini.

Step 5

Pour the prepared pesto over the tortellini and gently toss until everything is evenly coated and the spinach begins to wilt slightly.

Step 6

Serve immediately, and enjoy your low sodium pesto tortellini with an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(758.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2196.2

Total Fat 157.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.8g
Cholesterol 148.9mg	0%
Sodium 1239.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 142.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.5g	0%
Total Sugars 7.7g
Protein 61.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 939.2mg	0%
Iron 7.2mg	0%
Potassium 953.8mg	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: 63.6%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 25.5%