Spinach Basil Pesto Pasta: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight
Imagine twirling a fork through perfectly cooked pasta coated in a vibrant green pesto sauce that bursts with the fresh flavors of basil and spinach. Spinach Basil Pesto Pasta is not just another pasta dish; it’s a celebration of freshness, nutrition, and simplicity. The earthy undertones of spinach combined with the aromatic punch of basil, garlic, and pine nuts create a sauce that’s both creamy and invigorating. Perfect for weeknight dinners, brunches, or even a quick lunch, this pasta balances health and taste effortlessly.
With each bite, you get the richness of olive oil and parmesan, the subtle crunch of toasted nuts, and the wholesome goodness of leafy greens—all in a single, satisfying dish. Whether you are a busy professional or a home cook looking for a vibrant recipe, Spinach Basil Pesto Pasta offers a versatile, quick, and delectable option that will impress both your family and friends.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti or Pasta of Choice | 12 oz (340 g) | 400 |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | 2 cups | 10 |
| Fresh Spinach | 1 cup | 7 |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 | 9 |
| Pine Nuts | 1/4 cup | 200 |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup | 220 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/3 cup | 640 |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp | 4 |
| Salt | To taste | 0 |
| Black Pepper | To taste | 2 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, spinach, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add Olive Oil and Lemon: While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until a smooth, creamy pesto forms. Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Serve Warm: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, or fresh basil leaves.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Make it vegan: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas.
- Extra flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the pesto.
- Nut alternatives: Use walnuts or almonds if pine nuts are unavailable.
- Creamy twist: Stir in a tablespoon of cream or coconut cream for a richer sauce.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, serves 4)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | Varies by salt |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Serve with garlic bread or focaccia for a hearty meal.
- Add a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the fresh herbal flavors.
Spinach Basil Pesto Pasta: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes370
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantity
Spaghetti or pasta of choicet12 oz (340 g)
Fresh basil leavest2 cups
Fresh spinacht1 cup
Garlic clovest2
Pine nutst1/4 cup
Parmesan cheese (grated)t1/2 cup
Extra virgin olive oilt1/3 cup
Lemon juicet1 tbsp
SalttTo taste
Black peppertTo taste
Directions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Make Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, spinach, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add Oil and Lemon: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until creamy. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Toss pasta with the pesto. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan, pine nuts, or fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta cooking water. It helps thin the pesto and makes the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Fresh basil and spinach give the pesto its vibrant color and flavor. Avoid using wilted greens.
FAQs
1. Can I make spinach basil pesto pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pesto up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Toss it with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for the best flavor.
2. Can I freeze the pesto sauce?
Absolutely. Spinach basil pesto freezes well. Spoon it into an ice cube tray, freeze, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw and mix with pasta when needed.
3. What pasta works best with this pesto?
Long pastas like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work beautifully, but short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle can also hold the sauce well.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative to make it fully plant-based.
5. Can I use other nuts instead of pine nuts?
Yes, walnuts, almonds, or cashews can be substituted for pine nuts. Toasting them lightly enhances the flavor.
Conclusion
Spinach Basil Pesto Pasta is more than just a quick dinner recipe—it’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings freshness and comfort to your table. With its creamy texture, herbal aroma, and nutritional punch, it’s ideal for health-conscious eaters and food lovers alike. Whether prepared for a casual weeknight meal or a special occasion, this pasta guarantees satisfaction with every forkful. Bring together simple ingredients, a bit of culinary creativity, and a love for fresh flavors, and enjoy the perfect bowl of green goodness.
