Spinach Pesto Pasta Recipe
Few weeknight dinners are as easy and satisfying as a pesto pasta. By swapping in some spinach for a portion of the basil, you add nutrition and visual appeal to this classic recipe. The emerald hue of spinach beautifully complements the deep green of basil in the pesto, resulting in a sauce that is as pleasing to look at as it is to eat.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook pasta such as penne, rigatoni or fusilli until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine 2 cups fresh baby spinach, a generous handful of fresh basil leaves, 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic and salt to taste. Puree until smooth, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
Toss the hot pasta with the pesto sauce, allowing the residual heat to warm the sauce. For heartier pasta meals, consider adding diced tomatoes and cooked shrimp, chicken or vegetables to the pesto pasta. The bright acidity of the tomatoes complements the herbal pesto, and protein-rich additions transform it into a satisfying complete meal.
For those seeking to maximize the nutritional benefits, try substituting half the olive oil in the pesto with avocado or nut oils. The pesto can also be used as a spread, tossed with salad greens or spooned over grilled fish.
Its versatility and fresh flavor profile make spinach pesto a go-to sauce for simple, nutritious dishes throughout the year. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a pesto pasta that is as healthy as it is hearty and delicious.
Spinach Pesto Pasta Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) pasta of your choice
- 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup (25g) fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup (65g) pine nuts, toasted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes, halved, and cooked shrimp for garnish
Pesto and Spinach Pasta
Prepare the Pasta:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
Make the Spinach Pesto:
In a food processor, combine the fresh spinach leaves, basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
Add Olive Oil:
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed.
Incorporate Parmesan Cheese:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the spinach pesto mixture and pulse until fully incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine with Pasta:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
Add Spinach Pesto Sauce:
Pour the prepared spinach pesto sauce over the pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Garnish and Serve:
If desired, garnish the spinach pesto pasta with halved cherry tomatoes and cooked shrimp. Serve immediately, with additional grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
This spinach pesto pasta recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional pesto pasta, with the addition of nutrient-rich spinach. Enjoy a deliciously healthy meal packed with green goodness!
FAQs On Pesto and Spinach Pasta Recipe
What ingredients do I need to make spinach pesto pasta?
To whip up a delicious spinach pesto pasta, gather fresh spinach leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite pasta.
Can I use frozen spinach for spinach pesto pasta?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works just as well for this recipe. Make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before blending with the other ingredients.
How long does it take to make spinach pesto pasta?
From start to finish, you can have a mouthwatering spinach pesto pasta ready in around 20-25 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal option for busy days.
Can I customize spinach pesto pasta to my dietary preferences?
Certainly! Spinach pesto pasta is quite versatile. You can adjust the recipe to suit dietary needs by using gluten-free pasta, vegan cheese alternatives, or swapping pine nuts for other nuts like almonds or walnuts. Enjoy your personalized culinary creation!
How to make healthy pesto sauce?
To make a healthy pesto sauce, blend together fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice until smooth. You can also add spinach or kale for extra nutrients and vibrant color. Adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy over your favorite pasta or as a flavorful dip!
How to make pesto sauce with spinach?
To make pesto sauce with spinach, simply blend fresh spinach leaves with garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust ingredients to taste and toss with cooked pasta for a vibrant and flavorful dish.
Related: