Spinach Pesto Pasta

Introduction

There’s something about a creamy pesto pasta that hits all the right spots. It’s rich, comforting, and yet somehow still fresh and vibrant. I think what makes it such a winner for weeknight dinners is that it feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. Add spinach into the mix, and you’ve got a dish that’s full of flavor and a punch of healthy greens that even picky eaters will love.

I stumbled upon this spinach pesto pasta recipe during a week where I was trying to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone noticing. Spinach is one of those sneaky greens—it’s so easy to blend into a pesto, and when paired with a creamy base, it doesn’t stand out too much in flavor. The result? A delicious, herby sauce that’s perfect for coating pasta and full of goodness. It’s one of those meals I can rely on for busy days when I want something quick, but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or nutrition.

This spinach pesto pasta has become a go-to in our household because it’s so easy to make, yet so full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, for a group of friends, or feeding the family, this dish is sure to satisfy. It’s perfect for any time of year, and you can serve it as a light dinner or pair it with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for something more substantial. And the best part? It only takes about 30 minutes to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spinach pesto pasta is everything you’re looking for in a quick, flavorful, and nourishing meal. Here’s why I’m obsessed with it, and why I think you will be too:

• Super Easy to Make: The pesto comes together in just a few minutes, and the pasta cooks up in no time. It’s an ideal weeknight meal when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying.
• Packed with Flavor: The spinach pesto sauce has a bright, herbaceous flavor with a creamy base. It’s rich but not overly heavy, and the garlic, Parmesan, and nuts give it that perfect balance of savory, nutty goodness.
• A Sneaky Way to Get Greens In: The spinach blends into the pesto so smoothly that it’s nearly impossible to taste, making it a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, even for the kiddos.
• Customizable: You can easily make this recipe your own! Swap in different greens for the pesto, add grilled chicken or shrimp, or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Whether you’re a pesto lover or a newbie, this dish is sure to win your heart. It’s comfort food with a healthy twist, and I’m sure it’ll become a new favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes for pesto preparation, 10 minutes for cooking pasta, 10 minutes for mixing)
• Servings: Serves 4 generous portions

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 55g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 5g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy spinach pesto pasta:

Pesto:

• 3 cups fresh spinach (packed): The star of the show! Spinach gives this pesto a gorgeous color and boosts the dish with a healthy punch of nutrients.
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves: For that classic pesto flavor. Basil brings a sweet, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with spinach.
• 1/3 cup nuts (pine nuts or walnuts work best): Nuts add a nice texture and richness to the pesto. Pine nuts give a mild, buttery taste, while walnuts offer a bit of earthiness.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic is essential for depth and flavor in pesto.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory element to balance the fresh greens.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: For a smooth, rich consistency in the pesto.
• 1-2 tbsp lemon juice (optional): A little tang to brighten up the pesto.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice): Use your favorite type of pasta for this recipe! I love spaghetti, but fettuccine or penne works great too.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: To toss the pasta and help prevent sticking.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (for garnish): Optional, but it adds that extra cheesy goodness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this spinach pesto pasta is incredibly simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious, creamy pasta dish ready in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. For spaghetti, this usually takes about 9-11 minutes.
• Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water to help thin the pesto if needed. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta to keep it from sticking together, then set it aside while you make the pesto.

Step 2: Make the Spinach Pesto

• In a food processor or blender, combine the spinach, basil, garlic, nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse until everything is finely chopped and well combined.
• With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a little bit of pasta water to loosen it up.
• Taste your pesto and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, if using. You want it to be flavorful, with just the right balance of salty, garlicky, and fresh flavors.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Pesto

• Add the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour the pesto over the pasta and toss until everything is well-coated. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
• Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 4: Enjoy!

• Serve this creamy spinach pesto pasta with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve

This spinach pesto pasta is super versatile, so feel free to get creative with your serving options!

• Pair with Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: If you’re looking for more protein, grilled chicken or shrimp makes a fantastic addition to this dish.
• Top with Cherry Tomatoes: For a pop of color and sweetness, add halved cherry tomatoes on top of the pasta.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with garlic bread on the side—plus, it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover pesto sauce.
• Pair with a Light Salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes a fresh, vibrant pairing.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the most of your spinach pesto pasta:

1. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach blends much better into the pesto than frozen spinach, which can be watery and affect the consistency.
2. Customize Your Nuts: While pine nuts are traditional, walnuts, almonds, or even cashews can be used for a unique twist on the pesto. Just be sure to toast them lightly before adding them to the pesto to enhance their flavor.
3. Boost the Flavor with Extra Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add more to the pesto. A couple more cloves will amp up the flavor and make the pesto even more aromatic.
4. Make It Vegan: Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy, dairy-free version of this pasta.
5. Store Leftovers: If you have any leftover pesto, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pesto for up to 3 months. Just make sure to drizzle a little olive oil on top before storing it to keep the pesto vibrant.

Recipe Variations

Want to customize this spinach pesto pasta to your tastes or dietary needs? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Swap the Spinach: If you’re not a fan of spinach or just want to mix things up, try using kale, arugula, or even collard greens in place of the spinach. Each green will give the pesto a slightly different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many great options are available, from brown rice pasta to chickpea pasta, which will still pair wonderfully with the creamy pesto.
• Add Protein: For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. These pair beautifully with the pesto and make the dish more filling.
• Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto. It’ll add a nice spicy kick without overpowering the fresh, herbaceous flavors.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, savory pop of flavor that complements the creamy pesto sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen spinach for the pesto?

While fresh spinach is ideal for making pesto, you can use frozen spinach in a pinch. However, frozen spinach tends to have a higher water content, so make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before using it in the pesto. You may also need to adjust the consistency of your pesto by adding less olive oil or pasta water.

2. How do I store leftover spinach pesto pasta?

If you have leftover pasta, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the pesto fresh, you can drizzle a small amount of olive oil on top before sealing the container. When reheating, add a splash of pasta water or olive oil to bring the creamy sauce back to life.

3. Can I make the pesto ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the spinach pesto up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. To prevent the pesto from oxidizing and turning brown, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. You can also freeze the pesto for up to 3 months—just be sure to thaw it before mixing it with the pasta.

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make this spinach pesto pasta vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese in the pesto. You can replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or leave it out altogether. For the pasta itself, any plant-based pasta will work great.

5. What other nuts can I use in the pesto?

While pine nuts are traditional for pesto, you can also use other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Each will bring a slightly different flavor to the pesto, but they’ll all work beautifully. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them will enhance their flavor.

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Conclusion

This spinach pesto pasta is the perfect blend of rich, creamy, and fresh flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, it’s a quick and satisfying dish that will never disappoint. The spinach pesto sauce is so easy to make and brings a burst of flavor to every bite. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so you can tweak it to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

If you’re looking for a go-to weeknight meal that’s both comforting and nutritious, this spinach pesto pasta is your answer. It’s a dish that’s packed with flavor but still feels light, thanks to the creamy pesto and fresh spinach. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy evenings.

So next time you’re craving something cozy but fresh, grab some spinach and make this pesto pasta. You won’t be disappointed!