Penne Pasta in Spinach Pesto Sauce Recipe
Delight in a creamy and nutritious Italian classic with this Penne Pasta in Spinach Pesto Sauce. This vibrant dish is packed with the goodness of fresh spinach, aromatic basil, and a blend of spices, all perfectly complemented by the wholesome quinoa penne pasta. A healthier, vegetarian option for a flavorful dinner!
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Quinoa Penne Pasta | 350 grams |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 1/4 cup, halved |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
For the Spinach Basil Pesto:
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach | 1 cup, chopped |
| Basil Leaves | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Whole Almonds (Badam) | 10, blanched and skins removed |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions
-
Cooking the Penne Pasta:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of oil to the water.
- Add the Quinoa Penne Pasta to the pot, and cook it for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Drizzle a little oil over the pasta and toss it well to coat. This ensures the pasta does not stick together while waiting for the pesto sauce.
-
Making the Spinach Basil Pesto:
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped spinach, chopped basil leaves, and garlic cloves.
- Add the blanched almonds, cumin powder, and red chili powder to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Gradually add milk to the pesto and blend again to achieve a silky smooth sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
-
Assembling the Dish:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa penne pasta and the freshly made spinach basil pesto. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the vibrant pesto sauce.
- Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding extra salt or pepper as desired.
-
Serving:
- Serve the creamy Spinach Pesto Penne Pasta immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan if desired. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
The following is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300-350 kcal |
| Protein | 8-10g |
| Carbohydrates | 45-50g |
| Fiber | 6-8g |
| Fat | 12-14g |
| Saturated Fat | 1-2g |
| Sodium | 250-300mg |
This Penne Pasta in Spinach Pesto Sauce combines the healthy goodness of quinoa pasta with the rich flavors of spinach and basil, making it a wholesome, creamy option perfect for a vegetarian dinner. A fresh twist on classic pesto pasta, it’s easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser for the whole family!
