Penne w/Lemon Basil Pesto, Roma Tomatoes, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach & Feta Cheese

 

I started my Vegetarian journey on Sunday and so far so good. I’ve been following a meal plan that I found on EatingWell.com, I of course tweeked it to my liking but I didn’t tweek it as much as I should have. Part of yesterday’s dinner was Pasta with Parsley-Walnut Pesto; I knew that wasn’t going to work for me because I don’t like nuts in my food except maybe a salad. So I decided to tweek the recipe to my liking and I must say I am greatly pleased.

If you are a meat eater don’t worry, all you have to do is add meat to your dish or have the penne as a side dish to your meat meal. I also used whole grain penne pasta, if you do not like whole grain pasta substitute it for what you do like.
 

Ingredients

1 cup Whole Grain Penne (you can use regular)

½ cup Lemon Basil Pesto (recipe below)

2 cloves of Garlic, minced

½ cup fresh Roma Tomatoes

¼ cup Sun Dried tomatoes
2 cups fresh Spinach
¼ cup Feta cheese
1 tsp Italian Seasoning
Sea Salt & Pepper to taste

Pesto

1 cup fresh Basil Leaves

2 tblsp Olive Oil
1 whole Lemon
Directions: Mix your basil leaves and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and mix in.

Directions

Cook penne according to package.

While the penne is cooking make your pesto. Set aside.

Once your Penne is done rinse and add to a large pot; on medium-low heat; add your Lemon Basil Pesto; mix thoroughly making sure all of your penne is covered.

 

Add the Garlic and the Roma and Sun Dried Tomatoes. Mix thoroughly with a large spoon for 5 minutes

Add your Spinach and continue to mix periodically for 5 minutes.

Add your Feta Cheese, Italian seasoning, sea salt & pepper and mix periodically for 5 more minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

And…It Is What It Is!