Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to put on your aprons and get ready to cook up a storm. Our journey today will whisk us away to the rustic charm of Italian cuisine, where we’ll be exploring the delightful fusion of some of the earth’s freshest greens merrily married with the distinct and crunchy sophistication of walnuts. Yes, my friends, we’re talking about Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta! This dish, truth be told, is a health-packed tour de force that promises to deliver on both taste and well-being.
Ingredients List
Feast your eyes on this tantalizing list of ingredients. Each one has been carefully chosen not just for its flavor profile, but for its contributions to a healthier lifestyle!
- 3 cups of fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup of walnuts
- 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound of whole wheat pasta
Instructions
Begin with preheating your oven to 350°F to perfectly toast your walnuts. While they’re gaining that perfect golden hue in the oven, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
As your pasta gently dances in the boiling water, follow its rhythm by whisking your spinach, basil, toasted walnuts, Parmesan, and peeled garlic cloves in a food processor till it sings a harmony of flavors.
Slowly add your olive oil into this mixture, pulsing your food processor until you achieve a beautiful, velvety texture.
Voila! Your spinach and walnut pesto is ready. Season it with pepper and salt to your liking.
Now, drain your pasta, making sure to save a cup of the pasta water. Combine your aromatic pesto with the cooked pasta, adding the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
Cooking Time & Servings
This journey from your kitchen to Italy will take around 30 minutes and is perfect for serving four hungry souls ready to indulge in a heart-healthy feast.
Nutritional Information
Every bite of our Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta is a joy-ride of flavor, but did you also know it’s a powerhouse of nutrition? In each serving, you’ll find approximately 750 calories, 35 grams of fat, 80 grams of carbohydrates, 20 grams of protein, and a beneficial smattering of CoQ10—an antioxidant that promises heart health.
Tips and Tricks
Substitute walnuts with pine nuts for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing tang.
Use gluten-free pasta for those with gluten allergies.
As we wrap up this heartwarming tale of flavors and health, don’t forget to take a bow! You’ve just created a culinary masterpiece that waltzes on the tightrope between taste and health flawlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the pesto for later?
- Absolutely, freezing pesto helps it last longer.
What other types of pasta can I use?
- Any kind will work, but whole wheat pasta offers the best health benefits.
Can I make this dish vegan?
- Easy peasy! Just skip the parmesan or use a vegan substitute.
How can I add a protein punch to this recipe?
- Grilled chicken or prawns pair perfectly well with this dish.
Can I substitute fresh basil with dry basil?
- Although fresh is best, you can use dry basil in its absence.
Now that we have the Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta story under your belt, why not don that apron and whip some up? We’d love to hear about your cooking adventures in the comments below. Sharing your culinary masterpieces on Instagram? Use the hashtag #CoQ10Cooks and let’s cook, share, and learn together. Until next time!
