Craving a delicious meal that’s ready in a flash? This Speedy Spinach and Feta Pesto Pasta is your answer! It’s a vibrant and flavorful dish that comes together with minimal fuss, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine fresh basil pesto tossed with tender pasta, wilted spinach, and salty feta cheese – it’s a simple yet elegant combination that’s sure to please.
Health Benefits
This pasta dish is more than just quick; it’s also good for you! Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and folate. The basil in pesto provides antioxidants, and healthy fats come from the olive oil. Feta cheese adds a good dose of calcium. When you choose whole wheat pasta, you’ll get extra fiber, which is great for digestion and keeping you feeling full longer. It’s a balanced meal that fuels your body.
Ingredients Needed
* 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work well)
* 1 cup fresh basil leaves
* 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
* 2 cloves garlic
* 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 5 ounces fresh spinach
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
Step By Step Making
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a large bowl, add the drained hot pasta. Add the fresh spinach and stir until it begins to wilt from the heat of the pasta.
5. Pour the pesto over the pasta and spinach. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a smooth sauce that coats the pasta nicely.
6. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
7. Serve immediately, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or feta if desired.
Nutritional Value
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Each serving contains about 650 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 60 grams of carbohydrates. These values can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.