Imagine a pasta dish so vibrant, so incredibly delicious, that it transforms your entire concept of a quick weeknight meal. This Pea Spinach Pesto Pasta isn't just another recipe—it's a culinary adventure that packs a nutritional punch while delivering mind-blowing flavors in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a health enthusiast, or simply someone who loves mouthwatering meals, this Italian-inspired creation will become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 200g of pasta, 1 cup of fresh peas, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 clove of garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh spinach, fresh peas, garlic clove, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- With the blender or food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add the pea-spinach pesto to the pasta and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
- Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure all flavors are incorporated.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Pea Spinach Pesto Pasta!
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The key to an extraordinary pesto is using the freshest spinach and peas possible. If using frozen peas, ensure they're completely thawed and patted dry.
- Don't overcook your pasta: Aim for al dente texture by following package instructions and tasting a minute before the recommended cooking time.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats your pasta. Add it gradually to achieve your desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning carefully: Parmesan is salty, so taste your pesto before adding extra salt to avoid over-seasoning.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu to make this a complete meal.
- If you prefer a smoother pesto, blend ingredients longer and strain through a fine-mesh sieve for an ultra-creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
