Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Feta

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This whole wheat pasta dish is made with a delicious sun-dried tomato pesto and topped with crumbled feta. Packed with flavor, and easy and quick to make for a healthy weeknight meal.

This healthy twist on a traditional pesto makes for a delicious sauce to go with the nuttiness of whole wheat pasta. The feta and sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful sharp bite, while the almonds, basil, garlic, and cheese give it a velvety creaminess.

Since this recipe doesn’t have tons of veggies in it, I like serving it with some roasted veggies, sautéed spinach with garlic, or a large salad made with fresh greens on the side! It’s a healthy vegetarian Italian recipe!

HOW TO MAKE THIS PASTA WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO AND FETA – STEP BY STEP

Cook pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain through a sieve over a bowl, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Return pasta to pan.

While pasta cooks, place tomatoes and next 6 ingredients (through black pepper) in a food processor.

Process until finely chopped.

Combine tomato mixture and the reserved 1 cup cooking liquid, stirring with a whisk.

Add to pasta; toss well to coat.

Sprinkle with some extra feta before serving.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SUN-DRIED TOMATOES?

Sun-dried tomatoes are a wonderful ingredient to use because they have an intense, aromatic flavor. As well as being delicious, they are also packed full of nutrients. They are high in vitamins C and K, as well as iron and antioxidants that are associated with lowering the risks of certain cancers.

HOW TO STORE THIS SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO RECIPE 

Making your pesto at home is so easy and healthier, fresher and tastier than the store bought alternatives. I always make more than I need, and just store it in a jar in the fridge topped up with olive oil so I can grab it whenever I need. The pesto can also be used in sandwiches or mixed into a salad dressing.

HOW CAN THIS RECIPE BE MADE EVEN HEALTHIER?

Whole wheat pasta is great, but you could also swap in a chickpea or lentil based pasta to increase the protein even more without adding calories or fat. You can also add in veggies to this dish – some roasted squash or sauteed spinach would be great. If you cut back on the oil in the pesto you can save on some extra calories and fat there too! You can do all of this and still have a healthy meal for the whole family that is on the table within 30 minutes.

TOP TIPS FOR MAKING PASTA WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO PESTO AND FETA

• Cook the pasta al dente (with bite).
• Don’t substitute dried basil for the fresh basil in this recipe. Fresh herbs are key for big flavor!
• If you have any left over pesto (or make extra), put it in a sealable jar and top it up with olive oil to keep it fresh.
• Use whole wheat pasta, or for even more protein and nutrients – try a lentil or chickpea based pasta.
• Serve with some veggies on the side for an even healthier dish.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER HEALTHY PASTA DISHES

• High Protein Pasta Salad with Olives and Herbs
• Red Lentil Pasta Recipe
• Pasta alla Formiana (or a healthified baked ziti)
• Quick, Easy, Healthy Veggie Pasta Recipe
• One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes by Cooking Light
• Healthy Pasta Primavera by The Clean Eating Couple

If you have tried this Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Feta recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family friendly food!