Spinach Pesto Pasta

Spinach Pesto Pasta Recipe - Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spinach Pesto Pasta is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of fresh spinach, basil, and parmesan cheese with the creaminess of white beans. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Pesto pasta originated in Italy, where it is traditionally made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This recipe puts a twist on the classic by adding spinach and white beans for extra flavor and protein.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of fettucine
1 tbsp of olive oil
1 minced garlic clove
3 cups of fresh spinach, stems removed
1 cup of fresh basil leaves, stems removed
0.5 cup of low-fat, low sodium chicken broth
0.25 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1 can (15 oz or 425 g) of cannellini (white beans), rinsed and drained
1 cup of chopped red bell pepper
1 tsp of black pepper

How to prepare

Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain the pasta and place it in a large mixing bowl.
In a blender, combine olive oil, garlic, spinach, basil, parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Blend until the leaves are well incorporated.
Pour the sauce over the pasta and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Add the beans and red bell pepper. Gently toss the ingredients together and serve.

Variations

Substitute diced tomatoes for bell peppers. Experiment with chickpeas in place of white beans.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
Substitute pine nuts for the white beans for a more traditional pesto flavor.

Notes

Make extra pesto and freeze for later use. Need a quick side? Cook pasta or rice. Heat pesto sauce. Toss and serve.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the stems from the spinach and basil leaves before blending them into the pesto sauce.

- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the blender.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spinach Pesto Pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the spinach, basil, and other ingredients into a smooth sauce helps to evenly coat the pasta and distribute the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute any type of pasta or beans in this recipe based on your preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the pesto sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cook the pasta and assemble the dish just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Spinach Pesto Pasta with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spinach Pesto Pasta contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spinach Pesto Pasta contains approximately 50 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spinach Pesto Pasta contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spinach Pesto Pasta contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Basil is rich in vitamin K and manganese. White beans are high in fiber, protein, and folate.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (parmesan cheese) and gluten (pasta). It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

Summary

Spinach Pesto Pasta is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spinach Pesto Pasta is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a sunny day in the early spring, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had picked up at a yard sale. As I flipped through the pages, a recipe caught my eye - Spinach Pesto Pasta. Intrigued by the combination of flavors, I decided to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients - fresh spinach, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and of course, pasta. As I prepared the dish, the kitchen filled with the fragrant aroma of garlic and herbs. I could already tell that this was going to be a special meal.

The first bite of the Spinach Pesto Pasta was a revelation. The creamy pesto sauce coated the pasta perfectly, and the earthy flavor of the spinach added a depth that I had never experienced before. I knew that I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe.

As I savored each bite, I thought back to the many recipes that I had collected over the years. Some had been passed down from generation to generation, while others had been shared by friends and neighbors. Each recipe told a story, a glimpse into someone else's life and culture. And now, the Spinach Pesto Pasta was a part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. Sometimes I add a handful of fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the sauce. But no matter how I adapt it, the Spinach Pesto Pasta always brings me back to that sunny day when I first discovered it.

One of my favorite memories involving this recipe was when my grandchildren came to visit. They had never tried pesto before, and I was excited to introduce them to this new flavor. As I cooked the pasta and prepared the sauce, they watched with wide eyes, eager to taste the final result.

When I served them each a bowl of Spinach Pesto Pasta, their faces lit up with delight. They took tentative bites at first, savoring the unfamiliar taste. But soon, they were digging in with gusto, asking for seconds and thirds. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had passed on this recipe to the next generation.

As the years have passed, I have shared the recipe for Spinach Pesto Pasta with friends and family alike. It has become a staple at potlucks and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews. I am grateful for the serendipitous moment when I stumbled upon this recipe, for it has brought so much joy and connection into my life.

And as I sit here now, surrounded by my loved ones, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple pleasures of good food and good company. The Spinach Pesto Pasta will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of a delicious meal to bring people together. And I will continue to make it, passing on the recipe and the memories to future generations, just as it was passed on to me.