Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant recipe for Ravioli or Tortellini with Pesto and Spinach, a meal that combines rich flavors and effortless preparation. Choose between tender cheese- or meat-filled ravioli or tortellini as the base for this dish, which is coated in fragrant basil pesto and paired with sautéed garlic and wilted spinach for a burst of fresh, earthy taste. With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks seeking gourmet flair. The finishing touch? A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and optional pine nuts for added crunch and nuttiness. Serve warm and enjoy a restaurant-quality plate of pasta that’s ready in no time—comfort food at its finest! Keywords: "easy pasta recipe," "ravioli with pesto," "tortellini with spinach," "quick weeknight dinner," "Parmesan cheese garnish."
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the ravioli or tortellini to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes), or until they float. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Add the spinach leaves to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted (about 2-3 minutes). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach.
Add the basil pesto to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta and spinach evenly. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta cooking water (a tablespoon at a time) to loosen it.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
Divide the pasta among serving plates, garnish with pine nuts if desired, and serve warm.
Calories |
2456 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 153.4 g | 197% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.9 g | 200% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 212 mg | 71% | |
| Sodium | 3884 mg | 169% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 197.0 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.2 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.7 g | ||
| Protein | 88.5 g | 177% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1508 mg | 116% | |
| Iron | 19.8 mg | 110% | |
| Potassium | 2149 mg | 46% | |
*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.