spinach and pesto recipe

spinach and pesto recipe

The Best spinach and pesto recipe

I’ve been making spinach and pesto recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My family loves it because it’s easy to make and packed with nutrients.

I like that it’s a great way to get my kids to eat more greens. The recipe comes from the Italian tradition of using basil as a main ingredient, but I’ve adapted it to use spinach instead.

It’s a great way to use up any leftover spinach you might have in the fridge. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a side dish, add it to pasta, or even use it as a dip for vegetables.

I’ve also found that it’s a great way to get my kids involved in cooking, as they love helping me mix the ingredients together and watching the pesto come together. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize to your tastes.

If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add more garlic or lemon juice. If you want a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of garlic or omit the lemon altogether.

The key home cooking technique is to use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the fresh spinach and good-quality olive oil. This will make all the difference in the final product.

Spinach and Pesto Pasta

Spinach and Pesto Pasta

4.8 from 1501 votes

This vibrant pasta dish combines fresh spinach with a homemade basil pesto for a quick and flavorful meal. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz (340g) dried pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
4 cups (120g) fresh spinach leaves
Salt for pasta water

For the Pesto

2 cups (60g) fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup (40g) pine nuts or walnuts
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta in a colander.
4While the pasta cooks, make the pesto.
5Combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor.
6Pulse until finely chopped, then with the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and emulsified.
7Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8In a large skillet over medium heat, add the drained pasta and fresh spinach.
9Pour the pesto over the top and toss gently with a wooden spoon for 1 to 2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the pasta is evenly coated.
10If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
11Remove the skillet from heat and let the pasta rest for 1 minute.
12Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Food processor or blender
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 4.5g❤️Cholesterol: 10mg🧂Sodium: 380mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan and add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast. To make it nut-free, substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds. The pesto can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.

Watch Video Of How Spinach and Pesto Pasta Works

When I have leftover spinach pesto I store it in a small glass jar with a tight lid. I always pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before closing it to keep the color bright. It stays good in the fridge for about a week.

To reheat I just scoop out what I need and toss it with hot pasta or spread it on a sandwich. The oil helps it warm up smoothly without drying out. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings because it is easy to double and everyone loves it.

I often bring a jar to potlucks or serve it alongside grilled chicken at cookouts. It also works great as a quick appetizer with crusty bread or crackers. No matter how I use it this spinach pesto always gets compliments and empty plates.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spinach and Pesto Pasta

1. What is pesto?

Pesto is a sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. In this recipe, we’re substituting spinach for basil.

2. Can I use frozen spinach?

While frozen spinach is convenient, I recommend using fresh spinach for this recipe if possible.

3. How do I store leftover pesto?

You can store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

4. Can I make pesto without garlic?

Yes, you can omit the garlic if you prefer or if you’re making this recipe for someone who doesn’t like garlic.

5. Is pesto healthy?

Pesto is relatively healthy due to its high content of vitamins A and K from the spinach and antioxidants from the olive oil.

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