Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters! This Spinach Pesto Pasta with Peas is not just a meal – it's a vibrant, nutrient-packed masterpiece that combines the earthy richness of spinach, the creamy texture of pine nuts, and the sweet pop of fresh peas. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1/2 cup of peas, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh spinach, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thick, you can add a little more olive oil or a splash of water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In the last 2-3 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the peas to the pot to cook them together with the pasta.
- Once the pasta and peas are cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and peas in a colander.
- Return the drained pasta and peas to the pot. Add the spinach pesto and mix well to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the Spinach Pesto Pasta with Peas warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- For the most vibrant pesto, use fresh spinach and toast your pine nuts lightly before blending to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Save some pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Don't overcook the peas – they should remain bright green and have a slight crunch for the best texture and flavor.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make this dish even more satisfying.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and freshly grated garlic for the most authentic and robust flavor profile.
- If you're short on time, you can make the pesto ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 429kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 12g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
