If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious dish to brighten up your dinner table, this Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s packed with fresh spinach, kale, and basil that not only add a gorgeous green punch but also burst with nutrients. Creamy, nutty, and bursting with garlicky goodness, this pesto pasta is perfect for anyone craving a quick yet impressive meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that’s as simple to make as it is delicious to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role in crafting a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color. These simple staples come together to make your pasta sing with freshness and creaminess.
- 8 ounces Dried Pasta: Choose your favorite type for the perfect base—whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or fusilli.
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach: Rinsed and dried thoroughly to keep the pesto bright and fresh.
- 1 cup Chopped Kale: Stems removed and leaves lightly massaged to soften the texture.
- 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves: Use only the leaves to bring a fragrant, herbaceous note.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Peeled and roughly chopped to add that irresistible garlicky kick.
- 1/4 cup Nuts (Pine Nuts or Walnuts): Toasted lightly to unlock a toasty, crunchy depth.
- 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Drizzled while blending to give the pesto its creamy smoothness.
- 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt-in-your-mouth cheesy flavor.
- Salt: To taste, enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground preferred for a little spicy warmth.
How to Make Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This step is essential for seasoning your pasta from the inside out. Add 8 ounces of your chosen pasta and cook it until al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite but cooked through. This texture helps the pasta hold onto the pesto perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Greens
While the pasta is cooking, rinse your fresh spinach, basil, and kale gently but thoroughly, making sure to remove any dirt. Dry the greens well because excess water can dilute the vibrant pesto flavor. Massaging the kale slightly helps soften its hearty texture so it blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Toast the Nuts
Bring out the flavor hidden in your nuts by lightly toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning—they’ll turn golden and release that irresistible nutty aroma that makes this Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 4: Blend the Greens and Nuts
In your food processor, combine the toasted nuts, garlic, spinach, kale, and basil. Pulse until everything is finely chopped but not pureed, so you maintain a bit of texture that gives the pesto its fresh feel.
Step 5: Add Olive Oil
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. This step is key to creating a luscious and creamy pesto. The oil binds all the ingredients together while carrying the flavors, resulting in that perfect, silky consistency.
Step 6: Incorporate Parmesan Cheese
Next, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and blend again just until incorporated. The cheese adds a savory depth and slight nuttiness that rounds out the vibrant greens, making the pesto utterly crave-worthy.
Step 7: Finish the Pasta
Once your pasta is perfectly cooked, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the rest. Returning the pasta to the pot, pour your homemade pesto over it and toss gently. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat every strand or piece beautifully.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Finally, taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve your Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta Recipe immediately for the freshest, brightest flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your dish with a few thoughtful garnishes such as a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or a handful of toasted nuts to add crunch. Fresh basil leaves on top also add a lovely aroma and enhance the visual appeal, making your plate pop with color.
Side Dishes
This vibrant pesto pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a rustic garlic bread to soak up any extra pesto sauce. Light roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes also complement the rich flavors beautifully without overpowering the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta Recipe in individual bowls garnished with microgreens and edible flowers to impress your guests. You can also toss it with grilled chicken or shrimp to add protein, turning it into a complete meal without losing that fresh pesto vibe everyone loves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it chilled to preserve the vibrant green color and fresh flavors, but keep in mind the texture of the pasta will soften over time.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your pesto separately, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays for convenient portioning. The pesto sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Pasta itself doesn’t freeze as well but can be frozen if tossed in olive oil to prevent clumping.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or reserved pasta water. This will help loosen the sauce while keeping the pasta from drying out, preserving the rich, creamy texture of your Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use other greens besides spinach and kale?
Absolutely! You can experiment with arugula, chard, or even parsley to personalize your pesto. Just be mindful of the flavor intensity; some greens are peppery or bitter and can change the overall taste.
What nuts work best for this Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta Recipe?
Pine nuts are traditional and creamy, but walnuts offer a robust flavor and are often more affordable. Almonds or cashews can work too, adding their unique texture and taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. The flavor will still be vibrant and delicious without the dairy.
Can I prepare the pesto in advance?
Yes, pesto can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Cover it with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning and keep it fresh. Give it a good stir before tossing with pasta.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The pesto remains the same, packed with those super green flavors but accommodating gluten-free needs.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the vibrant freshness and comforting creaminess of this Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta Recipe. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve to friends and family. So go ahead, whip it up, and watch how this simple blend of super greens transforms into a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and healthy Simple Super Greens Pesto Pasta recipe featuring a fresh blend of spinach, kale, basil, toasted nuts, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with al dente pasta. This easy-to-make pesto offers a nutritious twist on traditional pesto, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces Dried Pasta (Choose your favorite type of pasta.)
Greens & Herbs
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (Rinse and dry thoroughly.)
- 1 cup Chopped Kale (Remove tough stems and massage leaves lightly.)
- 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (Use only leaves, discard stems.)
Other Ingredients
- 2 cloves Garlic (Peel and roughly chop.)
- 1/4 cup Nuts (Pine Nuts or Walnuts) (Toast lightly in a dry skillet.)
- 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (Drizzle while blending for creaminess.)
- 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Use freshly grated for best results.)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste (Freshly ground preferred.)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type.
- Prepare Greens. Rinse and dry the spinach, basil, and kale thoroughly to remove any grit or moisture that could affect the pesto’s texture and flavor.
- Toast Nuts. In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts or walnuts for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Process Pesto Base. In a food processor, combine the toasted nuts, garlic, spinach, kale, and basil. Pulse several times until the ingredients are finely chopped but not completely pureed.
- Add Olive Oil. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil to emulsify and create a creamy texture.
- Incorporate Cheese. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the food processor and blend until it is fully incorporated into the pesto.
- Drain Pasta. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the remainder and return the pasta to the pot.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto. Pour the prepared pesto over the pasta and toss gently to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Season and Serve. Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh and good quality basil and greens for the best pesto flavor.
- To keep pesto vibrant green, avoid over-processing the greens.
- Adjust pasta water quantity to control the consistency of the pesto sauce.
- Toast nuts carefully as they can burn quickly and alter the taste.
- This recipe can be made vegan by omitting Parmesan or substituting with a vegan cheese alternative.
