Savor the flavors of a healthy, delicious meal with this Spinach Pesto with Whole-Wheat Pasta. This dish brings together fresh spinach, toasted walnuts, and a zesty hint of lemon in a creamy pesto, served over wholesome whole-wheat pasta. With a sprinkling of Parmesan and juicy cherry tomatoes, it’s a light yet satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Spinach Pesto with Whole-Wheat Pasta
Course: MainCuisine: Italian4
servings10
minutes15
minutes400
kcalIngredients
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 bunches flat-leaf spinach (about 1 pound total), trimmed and washed
10 ounces whole-wheat short, tubular pasta
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/3 cup walnuts, toasted
1 garlic clove
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the whole-wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
- Make the Spinach Pesto: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the washed spinach, toasted walnuts, garlic, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the Pasta: Return the drained pasta to the pot and toss with the spinach pesto. Add a little reserved pasta cooking water to help coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among plates and top with extra grated Parmesan, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this nutritious dish!
This Spinach Pesto with Whole-Wheat Pasta is a refreshing, healthy take on classic pasta dishes. With its rich spinach pesto and the brightness of cherry tomatoes, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Enjoy this as a wholesome weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
