Spinach Pesto Pasta

Spinach Pesto Pasta is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of spinach with the nuttiness of walnuts and the richness of Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy pasta recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch. The vibrant green pesto not only adds color but also packs a punch of flavor, making it a hit for both adults and kids.

For a Serving Size of Two:

Ingredients:

• 70 grams whole wheat pasta
• 100 grams fresh spinach leaves
• 30 grams basil leaves
• 20 grams walnuts
• 20 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 50 ml pasta water (reserved from cooking)

Procedure:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 50 ml of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
• In a food processor, combine the spinach, basil, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and spinach pesto. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add more reserved pasta water, a little at a time.
• Divide the pasta between two plates. Optionally, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese  on top for added flavor.

Nutritional Benefits: