Spinach Pesto Pasta: A Fresh Twist on a Classic
Get Ready for a Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Looking for a quick and easy dinner solution that’s packed with flavor? Look no further! This spinach pesto pasta recipe is a game-changer, and it’s ready in just 25 minutes.
The Magic of Baby Spinach
By using baby spinach instead of basil, we get a milder, sweeter pesto that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Simply combine the spinach with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon, and olive oil in a food processor, and you’ll have a rich, creamy sauce in no time.
A Simple yet Satisfying Meal
Toss the pesto with hot fusilli pasta, and serve with a crunchy vegetable salad for a well-rounded meal. The best part? You can make the pesto up to a day in advance, so feel free to prep ahead and save time during the week.
Key Ingredients
- 1 pound fusilli pasta
- 8 ounces baby spinach
- 3/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 medium garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Finely grated zest of 1 medium lemon
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to the package directions or until al dente.
Make the Pesto
Place half of the spinach, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor, and pulse until coarsely chopped. Add the remaining spinach, Parmesan, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper, and process until combined. With the motor running, slowly pour in the oil and process until a smooth paste forms.
Combine the Pasta and Pesto
Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the pesto and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is well coated, adding more pasta water as needed.
Serve and Enjoy!
Taste, season with additional salt and pepper as needed, and serve with Parmesan on the side. This spinach pesto pasta is sure to become a weeknight staple in your household!
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