Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, delicious, and easy meal that won't leave you slaving away in the kitchen? Then look no further! This spinach pesto pasta recipe is your answer. It's a vibrant, flavorful dish packed with nutrients and ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend lunch. Get ready to elevate your pasta game!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite shape)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a cheaper alternative)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional, adds cheesy flavor and B vitamins)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Prepare the Pesto: While the pasta cooks, combine the spinach, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, nutritional yeast (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a food processor. Process until smooth, adding a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
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Combine & Serve: Add the drained pasta to the food processor with the pesto and pulse a few times to combine. If the pesto seems too thick, add more pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Spinach Pesto Pasta:
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Fresh is Best: Using fresh spinach makes a huge difference in the flavor of your pesto. If fresh spinach isn't available, frozen spinach will work, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
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Toast the Nuts: For a deeper, richer flavor, toast the pine nuts (or walnuts) in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them carefully to prevent burning!
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Adjust the Consistency: The pesto's consistency can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less pasta water. For a thicker pesto, use less water. For a thinner pesto, add more.
Variations:
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Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to your pasta.
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Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest adds brightness and freshness to the pesto.
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Different Greens: Experiment with other greens like kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 400-500 (depending on pasta type and additions)
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Fiber: 5-7 grams
This spinach pesto pasta recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that are also healthy meals. It's a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, and the homemade cooking experience makes it even more rewarding. Enjoy this delicious dish, and don't forget to share your culinary creations! We'd love to see your photos!