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Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta

This family friendly pasta is filled with light, bright flavor and a touch of cream. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is comforting pasta with a healthy twist.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 People
Calories 520kcal
Author Diana Reis

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Large Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Spaghetti
  • 6 Cups Baby Spinach loosely packed cups
  • 2 Cups Basil Leaves loosely packed cups
  • 2-3 Clove Garlic
  • 1 Lemon juice only
  • ½ Cup Parmesan grated
  • ½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • ¼ Cup Heavy Cream
  • Salt and Pepper

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook one pound of spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water.
  • In a food processor, blend baby spinach, basil leaves, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and olive oil until you have a smooth pesto.
  • In a large skillet, warm spinach basil pesto with cream and ¼ cup of pasta water. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Do not bring to a simmer. Pesto isn’t meant to be cooked.
  • Toss cooked spaghetti in spinach pasta sauce.
  • Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan and serve.

Notes

How long can I store Spinach Basil Pesto in the fridge?
You can keep spinach pesto in a food storage container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The lemon juice will keep the puree from turning brown. 
Can I store Spinach Basil Pesto in the Freezer?
Spinach pesto sauce can be stored in a food storage container in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Tips for success
  • Salting the pasta water is important, and the water should be really salty. I’ve always been told it should be as salty as the sea.
  • Reserve the pasta water. The starch from the water helps the sauce cling to the spaghetti. The salt from the water adds flavor.
  • Creamy pesto sauce should not be cooked. Just warm it up so that you aren’t pouring cold sauce over the pasta and cooling off the dish. 
  • Make a double batch and freeze half for another day when you haven’t been shopping.
  • If you don’t have cream you can substitute these items.
    • ¼ Cup of Cream Cheese plus a little extra pasta water.
    • 2 Tablespoon butter and 2 Tablespoons Milk
 

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 167mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3450IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 2mg