Looking for a vibrant, delicious, and easy dinner idea? This Spinach Pesto Pasta recipe is a fresh twist on the classic pesto, with the added nutritional benefits of spinach. It’s a great way to add greens to your meal without sacrificing flavor. Quick to make and even quicker to enjoy, this dish combines the rich, creamy texture of pesto with the comfort of a warm bowl of pasta.
Spinach Pesto Pasta Recipe
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes450
kcalThis easy Spinach Pesto Pasta recipe brings together fresh, vibrant flavors with a creamy, nutty pesto. Perfect for a quick dinner idea, it’s healthy, delicious, and comforting.
Ingredients
- For The Pesto
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
2 cloves garlic
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pasta
12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Extra grated Parmesan, for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Make the Pesto: Blend spinach, basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Mix the pesto with the hot pasta, adding a little reserved pasta water for a smoother texture. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Adjust the consistency of the pesto by adding more olive oil if needed.
- Keep any leftover pesto in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for the Perfect Spinach Pesto Pasta Recipe:
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh spinach and basil for the best flavor. Frozen spinach can be used, but fresh gives the pesto a brighter taste.
- Toast the Nuts: Lightly toasting the pine nuts enhances the flavor of the pesto.
- Meal Prep: Make the pesto in bulk and store it in the fridge to save time on busy days.
Recipe Variant:
Spinach Pesto Pasta with Chicken: Add grilled or shredded chicken to the dish for extra protein. Simply grill chicken breasts, slice, and mix them with the pesto-coated pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Spaghetti, penne, fusilli, and even whole grain pasta work well with this recipe.
- How do I make this dairy-free? Substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
- Can I freeze the pesto? Absolutely! Store leftover pesto in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Spinach Pesto Pasta is a delicious, quick dinner idea that’s perfect for any night of the week. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. It’s an easy recipe that adds a pop of green to your plate, perfect for all pesto lovers.
For more Pasta recipes check out this delicious and fresh Baked Spaghetti recipe!
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