High Protein Pesto Pasta

It can be hard to get adequate protein into less adventurous eaters, so using a high-protein pasta in a dish that kids love is a great way to boost the nutrition. The added spinach in the pesto is a more mild flavor which can be more palatable for little taste buds. And what kid doesn't love mozzarella balls. Photo by Tanner Boyles.

Serves 6

Ingredients

For pesto

1-½ cups loosely packed fresh basil

2 cups fresh spinach

1 tablespoon hemp seeds

¼ cup chopped walnuts

2 tablespoons freshly grated pecorino Romano or parmesan cheese

Juice of ½ lemon

¼ tsp sea salt

⅓ cup olive oil

For pasta salad

1 (8-ounce) box high-protein pasta (I recommend Goodles GF Loopdy-Loos)

2 cups fresh baby spinach

½ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

½ cup fresh mozzarella pearls

Instructions

To make pesto: Add basil and spinach to food processor bowl and finely chop. Add hemp seeds, walnuts, cheese, lemon juice and salt and process again until it forms a paste. Drizzle in the olive oil and blend to desired consistency.

Prepare pasta according to package directions. When pasta is done cooking, drain and add remaining 2 cups of spinach. Stir together until spinach is wilted. Stir in ½ cup of pesto. Add tomatoes and mozzarella pearls and serve at room temperature or store in the refrigerator.

Extra pesto can be eaten as a dip, stirred into scrambled eggs or drizzled on cooked vegetables.