Pasta with Creamy Spinach Pesto

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 tsp table salt, divided, or more to taste
• 8 oz uncooked whole wheat pasta, spaghetti or linguine recommended
• 4 1/2 cup(s) fresh spinach, baby variety, washed and dried
• 2 Tbsp water
• 1 1/2 tsp olive oil, extra virgin
• 2 clove(s) (small) garlic clove(s)
• 2 1/2 Tbsp low fat cream cheese
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, or to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (use 1 teaspoon salt). Add pasta and cook as package directs until al dente, about 8 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, process spinach, water, oil, garlic and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth; set aside.
3. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water and then drain pasta. Return pasta to pot; add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add pesto sauce and toss to combine, adding reserved cooking water if a thinner consistency is desired. Season with fresh lemon juice and salt, if desired.

Notes

Yields about 1 1/4 cups per serving.

Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. And/or stir in some roasted cherry tomatoes (could affect PointsPlus value).