Easy and Nutritious Spinach Pesto Pasta

Written by on in Pasta Dishes

Today was a special day in the kitchen as my beautiful daughter joined me to whip up something delicious and nutritious! She’s a huge fan of pesto, so I decided to create a homemade version that’s not only bursting with flavour but also packed with wholesome ingredients.

Jump to Recipe

Why I would love you to try this Recipe:

  1. Kid-Friendly Cooking: Cooking with your kids is not only a fun bonding experience but also a great way to instil healthy eating habits from a young age. This homemade spinach and basil pesto recipe is simple enough for kids to help with and will surely be a hit with the whole family.
  2. Nutritious Twist: Traditional pesto recipes rely on basil and pine nuts for flavour and that beautiful green colour. This version incorporates nutrient-rich spinach and walnuts, adding a boost of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy fats to the dish. It’s a delicious way to sneak in some extra greens, I have found this is the one few ways I would make my daughter eat spinach, as it is not on her favourites list, however, she happily eats past with this pesto sauce.
  3. Customizable and Adaptable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences and dietary needs. You can add more garlic for extra zing, swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast to make it vegan-friendly, or play around with different herbs and nuts for unique flavour combinations.
Ingredients for spinach pesto pasta: Spinach, garlic, lemon, parmesan cheese, basil, olive oil, walnuts.

Nutritional facts:

  • Basil: Basil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and K, and essential oils that may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It adds a fresh and aromatic flavour to pesto and many other recipes.
  • Spinach: I love adding spinach to my dishes because is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. It’s also low in calories and high in fibre, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
  • Walnuts: Walnuts are a great omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein source. They support brain health, reduce inflammation, and may lower the risk of heart disease.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which have been linked to heart health and reduced inflammation. It adds richness and creaminess to the pesto sauce.
spinach pesto sauce in a blender.
Pasta with bright green spinach pesto sauce

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use a different type of nut in place of walnuts? Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pine nuts, almonds, cashews, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Experiment with different nuts to find your favourite flavour combination.
  2. How long can I store homemade pesto in the refrigerator? Homemade pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To prevent oxidation, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto before sealing the container.
  3. Can I freeze homemade pesto? I haven’t tried freezing this pesto, but if you want to freeze it, I would suggest transferring it to an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer bag or container for longer storage. Thaw individual portions as needed.
  4. Can I omit the cheese to make the pesto vegan? Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version of the pesto. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Easy and Nutritious Spinach Pesto Pasta
Pin
Print

Easy and Nutritious Spinach Pesto Pasta

Recipe by XiolyCourse: Pasta DishesDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

15

minutes

Ingredients

  • 300g Tagliatelle Pasta

  • 70g Spinach (previously washed)

  • 15g Basil

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 1/2 Lemon 

  • 30g Parmesan cheese  

  • 50g Walnuts 

  • 2 Garlic cloves 

  • 1/4 cup water (*)

  • Optinal: Freshly ground black pepper to serve

Directions

  • Cook your pasta following the package instructions.
  • Put all the ingredients for the pesto in a mixer.
  • Blend until creamy, and add to your cooked pasta.

Notes

  • Make sure to drain your pasta well before adding the pesto sauce, as it can become watery quickly.
  • If needed, you can add a little bit of pasta water to make the pasta creamier.

  • (*) you’ll feel tempted to add more water to the mixer, but please don’t do it as the idea is to get a creamy sauce, give the mixer a good shake if needed
Print Recipe

Watch my daughter help me to make this recipe!

@seeolee_cooks

🌱15g basil 🌱70gr spinach 🌱1/4 cup olive oil 🌱1/2 lemon 🌱30g Parmesan cheese 🌱50g walnuts 🌱2 garlic cloves 🌱1/4 cup water #pestopastarecipe #pestopasta #easyrecipes #easyrecipesathome #quicklunch #quicklunchideas #nutritiousanddelicious

♬ Yet To Come – BTS