5 from 28 votes
Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta
This Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta combines tender sautéed zucchini and spinach with fresh herbs, nuts, and parmesan to create a vibrant, creamy sauce. Blended until smooth, the pesto coats linguine evenly, delivering a fresh, herbaceous flavor with a mild kick from jalapeño. It provides a lush texture and herbal brightness, serving as a flavorful vegetarian main perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
6
Calories:
319 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 zucchini cut into chunks, about 2 cups
- 1 lb spinach
- 9 oz linguine
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeño deseeded
- 2 cups parsley
- 1 cup basil
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 cup parmesan
Instructions
- Heat 2 tbsp of the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Saute the zucchini until golden. Add in the spinach and cook until wilted, 5-10 minutes. Turn the heat off and set it aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain but save 1 to 2 cups of the pasta water.
- Place the zucchini and spinach in the blender. Add the garlic cloves, jalapeno, parsley, basil, walnuts, the rest of the olive oil and parmesan. Blend until creamy and fully mixed.
- Pour the spinach pesto sauce into the pan and turn the heat on to medium. If the sauce is too thick, add 1/2 cup pasta water to it.
- Add the pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Serve warm.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, warm the pasta in a pan with about 1/3 cup water on medium-low heat until heated through.
- Omit jalapeños if you prefer less heat in the pesto.
- Various nuts like cashews, almonds, pine nuts, or pecans can substitute walnuts in this recipe.
- Pecorino cheese can be used instead of parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
Calories
319kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
21g
(7%)
Protein
10g
(20%)
Fat
23g
(35%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
6g
(35%)
Monounsaturated Fat
12g
(60%)
Cholesterol
6mg
(2%)
Sodium
209mg
(9%)
Potassium
713mg
(15%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
9142IU
(183%)
Vitamin C
58mg
(64%)
Calcium
230mg
(23%)
Iron
5mg
(28%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 319
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 319kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 10g | 20% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6g | 35% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 209mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 713mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 9142IU | 183% |
| Vitamin C | 58mg | 64% |
| Calcium | 230mg | 23% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.