Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and refreshing, you’ve got to try this Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta. It’s a brilliant blend of fresh vibrant greens and silky, luscious creaminess that wraps every noodle in a flavorful hug. The brightness of fresh spinach and basil pairs perfectly with the rich notes of parmesan and toasted nuts, making this pasta simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve when friends come over. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to know the ingredients for this recipe is half the fun! Each component adds its own unique touch, from color and texture to the aromatic essence that makes this dish shine.
- 300g pasta: Choose your favorite type, but something like linguine or fettuccine works beautifully to hold the creamy pesto sauce.
- 1 cup fresh spinach: Freshness is key here; it brings that bright green color and a mild, fresh flavor.
- 1 cup basil: This herb adds an unmistakable, fragrant disorder of classic pesto goodness.
- 2 garlic cloves: Just enough to give a gentle kick without overpowering the delicate herbs.
- 1/3 cup parmesan: A salty, nutty cheese that enriches the sauce and adds depth.
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts (pine nuts or almonds): Toasting intensifies the nuttiness and adds a subtle crunch to the pesto.
- 1/3 cup olive oil: Essential for blending the pesto smooth and silky, plus it adds a fruity richness.
- 1/4 cup cream: This makes the pasta irresistibly creamy, adding luscious texture without heaviness.
- Salt + pepper: To bring out all the flavors and balance the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta
Step 1: Cook the pasta until al dente
Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, which means it’s tender but still has a slight bite. This helps it to absorb the flavors of the sauce and maintain a delightful chewiness in every mouthful.
Step 2: Blend the pesto ingredients
Next, add fresh spinach, basil, garlic, parmesan, toasted nuts, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a food processor or blender. Pulse everything together until smooth and creamy. The toasted nuts and cheese create a beautifully rich base, while the greens keep it fresh and vibrant.
Step 3: Heat the pesto with cream
Pour your blended pesto into a skillet over medium heat and stir in the cream. Heating it gently allows the flavors to marry and the sauce to take on a luxuriously silky texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Step 4: Toss in the cooked pasta
Drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the warmed pesto cream sauce. Toss everything together until each strand is coated in that glossy, aromatic pesto goodness. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta
Garnishes
To elevate your Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta, consider sprinkling a little extra parmesan on top and adding a few torn basil leaves for freshness and a pop of color. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add an exciting final touch.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides. A simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. Roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled asparagus also bring delightful textures and flavors to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special gathering, present the pasta in individual bowls with a little basil leaf perched on top. Alternatively, serve it alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of the creamy pesto sauce. It’s a dish that loves to be shared and admired.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, but the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so a quick stir before reheating is a must.
Freezing
Because of the cream, freezing this pasta is not recommended as it might affect the texture and consistency of the sauce. For the best taste and texture, enjoy it fresh or within the couple of days after preparation.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of cream or olive oil while reheating can help revive the silky sauce, preventing it from becoming dry or clumpy. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to stir midway for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach provides the best color and flavor, you can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid watery pesto.
What nuts work best in this recipe?
Pine nuts are classic in pesto and give a rich buttery flavor, but toasted almonds make an excellent alternative with a slightly different nutty profile. Walnuts or cashews can work too if you’re feeling adventurous.
Is there a dairy-free option for the cream and parmesan?
Absolutely! Swap the parmesan for a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor, and use coconut cream or a cashew cream as the creamy component to keep it smooth and delicious.
Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pesto a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just stir in the cream and warm it up with the pasta when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best type of pasta to use?
Long noodles like linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work beautifully because they hold onto the creamy spinach pesto sauce so well, but feel free to experiment with shorter shapes like penne or fusilli if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta with you feels like passing along a secret favorite that never fails to impress. It’s simple, colorful, and utterly irresistible, striking that perfect balance between comfort and freshness. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and fall in love with it just like I did. Happy cooking!
