Fettuccine with Spinach Pesto
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and easy-to-make Fettuccine with Spinach Pesto! Featuring the earthy flavors of fresh spinach and basil blended with nutty Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and a hint of zesty lemon, this creamy pesto clings to every strand of perfectly al dente fettuccine. Prepared in just 30 minutes, this dish is as quick as it is satisfying, with a no-cook sauce that comes together effortlessly in a food processor. The addition of reserved pasta water ensures a silky consistency, while a final sprinkle of Parmesan and optional toasted pine nuts adds irresistible flavor and texture. This vegetarian pasta is the perfect combination of hearty and fresh, making it an ideal recipe for family dinners or casual entertaining.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Fettuccine pasta
- 4 cups Spinach (fresh)
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 3 oz Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 oz Pine nuts
- 1 clove Garlic clove
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 0.5 cup Water (reserved pasta cooking water)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the spinach pesto. In a food processor, combine spinach, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
Pulse the ingredients until roughly combined. With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil in a slow stream. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the pesto seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
In a large pan over medium heat, transfer the cooked fettuccine. Add the spinach pesto and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly. If necessary, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2772 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 161.9 g | 208% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.7 g | 164% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 68 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 2573 mg | 112% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 264.6 g | 96% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.1 g | 61% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.9 g | ||
| Protein | 83.5 g | 167% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1095 mg | 84% | |
| Iron | 5.7 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 1026 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
