Easy to Make Pasta with Spinach Pesto
Enjoy this fresh and flavorful spinach pesto pasta! Made with vibrant spinach leaves, aromatic basil, and rich Parmesan cheese, this pesto sauce is both nutritious and delicious. Perfectly paired with your favorite pasta, this dish is a delightful blend of creamy, garlicky goodness with a hint of lemon for extra zest. It's an easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with cherry tomatoes and extra Parmesan for a complete meal that's as beautiful as it is tasty.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
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While the pasta is cooking, prepare the spinach pesto. In a food processor, combine the spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
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With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Add salt and pepper to taste. If using, add the lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness. Blend again to combine.
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In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the spinach pesto sauce. Add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
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Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with cherry tomatoes and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
This pesto can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or as a dip for veggies. Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.
