Spinach Ala Pesto Pasta
Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant and nutritious Spinach Ala Pesto Pasta! A fresh twist on a classic Italian favorite, this recipe combines the earthy goodness of tender spinach leaves with the aromatic punch of basil, garlic, and toasted pine nuts. Blended into a creamy pesto sauce with grated Parmesan, a touch of lemon juice, and silky extra-virgin olive oil, this dish turns simple pasta — whether spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne — into a flavor-packed meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s elegant enough for entertaining. Serve garnished with extra Parmesan and basil for a plate that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for lovers of spinach pasta, homemade pesto recipes, and quick Italian-inspired dishes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 150 grams Fresh spinach leaves
- 50 grams Fresh basil leaves
- 70 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 40 grams Pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves
- 120 ml Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 120 ml Water from pasta
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the spinach pesto. In a dry pan, toast the pine nuts (or walnuts) over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh spinach, basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper. Begin blending while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until a smooth and creamy pesto forms. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Taste the spinach pesto and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
In the same pot used for cooking the pasta, return the drained pasta over low heat. Add the spinach pesto and toss to coat evenly. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your Spinach Ala Pesto Pasta!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2313 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 173.8 g | 223% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.2 g | 166% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 70 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 4859 mg | 211% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 139.4 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.6 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.2 g | ||
| Protein | 63.4 g | 127% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1047 mg | 81% | |
| Iron | 13.0 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 1504 mg | 32% | |
*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.
