Creamy Spinach Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Del Monte Penne Rigate Pasta | 350 grams |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Spinach, chopped | 1 cup |
| Basil leaves, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic cloves | 4 |
| Almonds, blanched and skin removed | 10 |
| Cumin powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 2400 IU |
| Vitamin C | 22 mg |
| Calcium | 160 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
Instructions
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by preparing the Del Monte Penne Pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of oil to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Once boiling, add the pasta and cook it until al dente, approximately 10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and briefly rinse it under cool running water to stop the cooking process.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the pasta and gently toss to coat, ensuring the pasta does not stick together. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Creamy Spinach Pesto Sauce:
- Wash and roughly chop the spinach and basil leaves.
- In a blender or food processor, add the spinach, basil, blanched almonds, garlic, cumin powder, red chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Blend the ingredients, adding a small amount of water as needed to create a smooth, creamy pesto sauce. Set aside.
-
-
Assemble the Creamy Spinach Pesto Penne Pasta:
- In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the prepared spinach pesto sauce to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add the cooked penne pasta, 1/2 cup of milk, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the pasta until it is thoroughly coated with the creamy spinach pesto sauce and heated through.
-
Serve:
- Remove the pasta from heat and serve immediately.
- Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
- This creamy spinach pesto penne pasta pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread with herb butter and a refreshing glass of mulled apple juice.
Enjoy this vibrant and wholesome Creamy Spinach Pesto Penne Pasta, perfect for a cozy Italian-inspired dinner!
