Spinach Pesto Pasta Recipe

close up of spinach basil pesto on curly pasta.

5 from 1 vote

This spinach basil pesto recipe combines classic pesto ingredients with spinach for added volume and nutrients. Use this fresh homemade pesto on pasta, pizza, sandwiches—the options are endless!

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 640kcal

Author: Olivia Parsons

Ingredients

4 cups pasta of choice use gluten-free if required
2 tablespoon pine nuts
1 clove garlic peeled
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup fresh basil leaves washed and dried
2 cups spinach leaves washed and dried
⅓ cup parmigiano reggiano cheese
Pinch of salt to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions. Be sure to save 1 cup of the salty pasta water before draining.
While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto. In the base of a small food processor or blender, pulse together the pine nuts, garlic clove, and half of the olive oil until smooth.
Add the spinach leaves and pulse a few times until broken down. Then add the basil, cheese, and the rest of the olive oil. Pulse until combined into a relatively smooth sauce. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
Transfer the pesto into a small jar and top with olive oil to prevent oxidation. Close the jar and refrigerate until ready to use, for up to 5 days.
Drain the excess pasta water and add the pasta back to the pot. Add a few generous spoonfuls of pesto and some pasta water. Gently stir to emulsify the sauce and fully coat the noodles.
Garnish with some basil leaves, pine nuts, and extra parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Notes

You can use pecorino romano cheese instead of the parmesan, or even a blend of the two.
You may have some leftover pesto. Cover the top with olive oil and store in a closed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze the pesto in an ice cube tray for future use. Thaw when ready to use.
Use this homemade pesto on pasta, pizza, sandwiches, chicken, salad, etc.

Nutrition facts are an estimate.

Nutrition