Mushroom and Spinach Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they are tender and browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the spinach leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they are wilted. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- Add the cooked mushrooms and spinach to the food processor and pulse until everything is well combined.
- With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked penne pasta with the mushroom and spinach pesto until it is well coated.
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy pasta dish, look no further than Mushroom and Spinach Pesto Pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a fancy dinner party with friends. The homemade pesto sauce is blended with nutritious spinach and mushrooms, making this dish not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals.
To make the pesto sauce, you’ll need fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, mushrooms, and spinach. First, sauté the mushrooms in a little bit of olive oil until they’re golden brown and tender. Then, add the spinach and let it wilt for a minute or two.
Next, combine the sautéed mushrooms and spinach with the fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture is smooth, adding olive oil as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the pesto sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
To serve, top the Mushroom and Spinach Pesto Pasta with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some freshly cracked black pepper. The result is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
This dish can be customized to suit your preferences – you can add more or less garlic, adjust the amount of cheese, or even add some red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as fusilli or spaghetti, to change up the texture.
Mushroom and Spinach Pesto Pasta is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a comforting bowl of pasta. It’s a perfect meal for anyone who loves a hearty and delicious pasta dish with a healthy twist. Give it a try and see how delicious and easy it is to make!