Spinach Pesto Pasta

Spinach Pesto Pasta is a wholesome and delicious twist on pesto!

Can February just go away already?

I’m wearing so. many. clothes. I’m seriously freezing. And I should probably be working three jobs to pay for this monster heating bill that still leaves me chilled to the bone. It’s around this time of year that I really start questioning my life choices, or at least my choice to live somewhere that it’s actually dangerous to be outside for more than a few minutes.

I also find myself wanting to self-insulate with more brownies. Is that a problem?

Brownie balance is whole grain pasta slathered in spinach pesto. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese because you know you want to. I’m not even going to urge you to eat a salad alongside because the salad is right there in the pesto.

This spinach pesto is really something. I want to put it on everything (and I have). Packed with nutrients and lots of flavor, this might be my new go-to for flavoring pastas, sandwiches, and eggs. I also love to consider pesto a protein source because, hey, there’s nuts right? Filling me up without filling me out. Maybe that should be my February motto.

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5 from 1 vote

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Spinach Pesto Pasta

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

Spinach Pesto Pasta is a wholesome and delicious twist on pesto!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 6

Calories: 412 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups tightly packed baby spinach
• 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
• 2 garlic cloves pressed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1 box whole grain pasta

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. When done, drain and return to the pot.
2. Meanwhile, in the bowl of a food processor, combine spinach, parsley, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Process until a smooth paste forms.
3. Stir pesto into the hot pasta until completely incorporated. Serve with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan.

   
   

Nutrition Facts

Spinach Pesto Pasta

Amount Per Serving

Calories 412 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 15g 23%

Saturated Fat 2g 10%

Cholesterol 3mg 1%

Sodium 177mg 7%

Potassium 289mg 8%

Total Carbohydrates 59g 20%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Protein 14g 28%

Vitamin A 27.9%

Vitamin C 11.8%

Calcium 10.5%

Iron 20.5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.