Pasta with basil and spinach pesto

Pasta with Basil and Spinach Pesto - A Quick and Delicious Recipe

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2

Introduction

What could be more refreshing than a serving of pasta with aromatic basil and spinach pesto? This simple and quick recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a meal with friends. The basil pesto, with its fresh and slightly spicy notes, blends perfectly with the spinach, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce. With just a few ingredients, you will be surprised at how quickly you can transform a regular meal into a feast.

A Brief History of Pesto

Pesto is a traditional Italian recipe that has evolved over time but has retained its essence: a mixture of fresh herbs, nuts, olive oil, and cheese. Although the original recipe uses basil and pine nuts, many variations have emerged, including those with spinach, which add a note of freshness and additional nutritional value. This basil and spinach pesto recipe is a modern, simplified reinterpretation, yet with an authentic taste.

Necessary Ingredients

For the pasta:
- 100 g pasta (any type you prefer, but penne or spaghetti are recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons basil and spinach pesto
- 5 cherry tomatoes

For the pesto:
- 1 handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 handful of fresh young spinach
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 50 g grated Pecorino Romano cheese or Parmesan
- Freshly ground black pepper and salt (to taste)
- 100 ml extra virgin olive oil

Step by Step: Preparing the Pasta with Pesto

1. Preparing the pesto
- Start by adding the basil leaves, spinach, garlic, pine nuts, and cheese to a blender. These ingredients are key for a flavorful pesto. The fresh basil leaves provide a vibrant taste, while the spinach adds a creamy texture and essential vitamins.
- Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste. You will notice that the vibrant green becomes a velvety mixture.
- Then, gradually add the olive oil while continuing to blend. This step is crucial to obtain a perfectly emulsified pesto with the ideal consistency. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking.

2. Cooking the pasta
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot, adding a little salt and a tablespoon of olive oil. The salt helps to enhance the pasta's flavor, while the oil prevents sticking.
- Add the pasta and follow the cooking time indicated on the package. Typically, pasta cooks between 8 and 12 minutes. It is important to check it from time to time to keep it al dente.

3. Preparing the cherry tomatoes
- Meanwhile, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. In a skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the tomatoes over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they become lightly caramelized. This step highlights the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and gives them a savory taste.

4. Mixing the ingredients
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well, but reserve a cup of the cooking water. This can be used to adjust the sauce's consistency.
- In a large bowl, combine the hot pasta with the prepared pesto and the caramelized tomatoes. If you want to thin the sauce a bit, add a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water. Mix well to coat every piece of pasta with that creamy and aromatic pesto.

5. Serving
- Transfer the pasta to a platter and, for an elegant touch, sprinkle some grated cheese and a few fresh basil leaves on top. This detail not only adds flavor but also an attractive visual aspect.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Result

- Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh basil and spinach will make a significant difference in the pesto's taste. Buy fresh herbs from the market or from your own garden if you have one.
- Nuts: If you don't have pine nuts, you can use walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. Each type of nut will add a unique flavor to the pesto.
- Cheese: Pecorino Romano adds a salty note, but if you prefer a milder taste, Parmesan is an excellent choice.
- Variations: You can add a few slices of avocado for a creamy texture, or even a few olives for a Mediterranean taste.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Basil is rich in antioxidants, and spinach provides an important source of iron and vitamins. Whole grain pasta (if you choose it) adds fiber and protein, making it a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Whole grain, gluten-free, or even vegetable pasta are excellent options to adapt the recipe to personal preferences.

2. How can I store leftover pesto?
Place the leftover pesto in an airtight container and cover it with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a mineral water with lemon are excellent accompaniments to complement the flavors of this recipe.

Conclusion

Pasta with basil and spinach pesto is a perfect choice for a quick yet flavorful meal. With just a few ingredients and a short preparation time, you will create a dish that everyone will love. Don't forget to experiment with the ingredients and add your own twists. This dish is not just a recipe; it's an opportunity to express yourself through cooking. Enjoy every bite!