Ever craved something heavenly delicious yet healthy and not time-consuming? Well, I have got just the dish for you! Gorgeously green and thrillingly tasty, Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta hits that sweet spot between healthy eating and culinary delight. This recipe is bustling with bright flavors and punchy pesto, made with the magic mix of fresh spinach and earthy walnuts that work in harmony to create an amazing experience for your taste buds. It’s a versatile dish, equally lovely as a light lunch or hearty dinner, and a beacon of heart health, thanks to the burst of beneficial CoQ10 it boasts.
Ingredients List
Our scrumptious Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta is made from simple and easy-to-find ingredients that when combined, create a delectable dish:
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 10 oz of your preferred pasta type
Instructions
Get ready to whip up this delectable dish in these easy steps:
- Firstly, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a generous pinch of salt, and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set both aside.
- In the meantime, turn your attention to the pesto. Combine spinach, walnuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice, and olive oil into a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper to meet your taste preference.
- Finally, toss the hot pasta with the pesto. If the consistency appears too thick, use some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Cooking Time & Servings
The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes and generously serves four.
Nutritional Information
This delightful dish doesn’t skimp on nutrition. Packed full of healthy fats from the walnuts and olive oil, this plate packs a protein punch from the spinach and pasta. It’s also a source of CoQ10, a nutrient that is great for supporting heart health.
Tips and Tricks
If you’re catering to dietary needs, you can exchange regular pasta for a gluten-free variant. Dairy intolerant? Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a flavorful alternative. Like a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes can bring this dish’s flavor to another level.
So there you have it – the secret of creating delectable Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta right at home!
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress dinner guests, this simple, delicious, and nutritious recipe is sure to win hearts. We encourage you to try this recipe, and when you do, don’t forget to share your masterpiece with us on our social media pages. We’d love to hear your thoughts, see your spin on it, or answer any questions you might have!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What other nuts can I use if I don’t have walnuts?
A1: You can easily substitute walnuts with pine nuts, almonds or cashews.
Q2: Can I store the leftover pesto?
A2: Absolutely! Leftover pesto can be refrigerated up to a week or frozen for a couple of months.
Q3: Can I use dried spinach?
A3: Fresh spinach is the best choice for this recipe to achieve the vibrant color and the unique fresh taste.
Q4: Which pasta type is best for this recipe?
A4: You can use any type of pasta. However, spaghetti, penne or fettuccine pair exceptionally well with the pesto.
Q5: Can I add additional vegetables to this recipe?
A5: Yes, you can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, roasted bell peppers or olives to amp up the dish.
Enjoy your cooking journey and have fun creating this heart-warming, wholesome dish! Let the aroma of this nutritious Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta waft through your home, bringing joy to your kitchen and satisfaction to your dining table.
