Spinach Pesto Pasta
Healthy, simple & most of all, delicious!!!
I fell in love with recipe after the first time I played around with it in my kitchen. It is so easy but so good. It’s a great way to get your veggies in with out even noticing. It is also really versatile. You can use baby spinach, kale or arugula for the greens. I recommend the baby version because they’re more tender and sweet than their full-grown counterparts. You can make this with or without meat as well. I’ve used shredded chicken breast, roast pork, ground chicken and turkey, and they’ve all been delicious. When I make this for just my husband and I, I cut the recipe in half and make the sauce in my individual blender cup (see photos below). This dish comes together in no time at all and is packed with flavor. This recipe will serve 4-5 people.
16oz Dried Pasta of your choice (I prefer penne or rotini)
5oz Baby Spinach (or other baby greens)
3 Garlic Cloves-rough chop
5 Green Onions- rough chop
1/4 cup Pecans (raw)
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese- grated
1/4 cup Olive, Avocado or Canola Oil
1 LB Meat (I prefer shredded chicken breast or ground chicken)
Salt & Pepper
In a large skillet, cook your preferred meat until completely browned and start cooking your pasta according to its package directions at the same time. While your pasta and meat are cooking, prepare the ingredients for your pesto. You only need to roughly chop the garlic and scallions. In a blender or food processor combine the spinach, garlic, green onions, pecans, Parmesan cheese, oil and a large pinch of salt & pepper. Depending on how much moisture your greens contain, you may need to add a couple drizzles of hot water to thin the sauce out.
Blend until there are no lumps and you’ve got a vibrant green sauce that will pour nicely over your pasta. Make sure you add enough salt & pepper to bring out all the flavors. Once your pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it in the skillet with your cooked meat. Pour your pesto sauce over it and stir well to combine. You’ll only need to cook the completed mixture for 1-2 minutes, just long enough for the sauce to be warmed through. Portion into large bowls. You can top with more Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
