This easy Penne pasta with Spinach Pesto sauce is quick, easy, and delicious. It’s ready in under 15 minutes and its a simple delicious evening meal the whole family will love. Thinking of Easy and Stylish Dinner Recipe? You’re sure to love this Penne with Spinach Pesto recipe.
It’s a winner because, Penne with Spinach Pesto is loaded with vegetables, like fresh spinach. This pasta dish will get a boost of nutrients over regular pastas. Spinach is low in calories and high in vitamin A, a nutrient that benefits the health of your eyes. Spinach also contains a good dose of antioxidants, compounds that help protect your cells from damage.
A twist to regular Penne with Spinach Pesto is olive oil tossed Tomatoes. Tomatoes not only packed with full of health but also contrasts the Green dish by adding a touch of those Red colour.
Can I use Different Pasta to make Penne with Spinach Pesto?
I used Penne pasta, but whole wheat would actually be pretty good in this and would add some extra fiber and nutrients to make it a more well rounded meal. You can also switch out the shape for another short pasta, like bowtie pasta or rotini or fusilli.
Is Penne with Spinach Pesto Pasta Healthy?
This pasta dish is wholesome one pot meal dish according to me. Spinach is low in calories and high in vitamin A, a nutrient that benefits the health of your eyes. Spinach also contains a good dose of antioxidants, compounds that help protect your cells from damage.
Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
And finally, roasted peanuts Peanuts are rich in protein, fat, and fiber. While peanuts may have a large amount of fat, most of the fats they contain are known as “good fats.” These kinds of fats actually help lower your cholesterol levels. Peanuts are also an excellent source of: Magnesium.
How to Cook Al Dente Pasta?
The term “al dente” originates from an Italian phrase that translates to “to the tooth.” Al dente refers to the overall firmness of your cooked noodle. When your recipe calls for al dente pasta, it calls for your pasta to be tender yet still a bit firm in the center.
When you’re trying to figure out the right timing for al dente pasta, note that there is a significant difference based on the type of pasta you’re using. You’ll find that dried pasta takes a bit more time, whereas freshly-made pasta only needs to be in the water for a couple of minutes—and the shape plays a role, too.
Freshly-made pasta only takes a few short minutes to cook thoroughly—2-3 minutes is enough to reach al dente. Whereas Dry pasta on an average ranges anyways between 10 to 14 minutes depending on the shape and size of pasta.
Looking for more Spinach Recipes?
- Shaam Savera Kofta Curry Recipe
- Lehsuni aloo palak raita (Spinach potato with garlic dressing)
- Spinach Cottage Cheese Kebabs (Palak Paneer Kebabs)
Penne with Spinach Pesto, Simple & Quick recipe
Ingredients
- 200 gms penne pasta boiled till al dante
- ½ medium spinach bunch blanched
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts
- 4 tbsps extra virgin olive oi
- Salt to taste
- 3 tsps mixed dried herbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 100 gms processed cheese grated (originally Parmesan is used, replace it with Parmesan if available)
- 2 tsps black pepper powder
Instructions
- Heat water in a pan until it starts boiling. Add Spinach leaves and take it out from the water in 30 secs (Blanching process). Run cool water over the spinach to stop the cooking process.½ medium spinach bunch
- In the same boiling water add Olive Oil, Salt and Penne Pasta. Boil pasta until al dente (For authentic “al dente” pasta, boil uncovered, stirring occasionally for 11 minutes).2 tbsps olive oil, Salt to taste, 200 gms penne pasta
- Roughly chop blanched spinach and put into a mixer jar, add garlic cloves and grind well. Add roasted peanuts and extra virgin olive oil and grind to make a smooth spinach pesto.½ medium spinach bunch, 2-3 garlic cloves, ¼ cup roasted peanuts, 4 tbsps extra virgin olive oi
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan. Cut tomatoes into big cubes and add to the pan, toss well and cook till the tomatoes are soft. Switch off the heat, transfer the tomatoes into a plate and set aside to cool.2 medium tomatoes
- Heat the same non-stick pan, add penne, spinach pesto and salt and mix well. Add mixed dried herbs, milk and mix well. Add grated cheese and mix well. Add black pepper powder and mix well. Add cooked tomatoes, reserving some, and mix well and cook for a minute200 gms penne pasta, Salt to taste, 3 tsps mixed dried herbs, ¼ cup milk, 2 tsps black pepper powder, 100 gms processed cheese
- Transfer onto a serving platter, garnish with reserved cooked tomatoes and drizzle leftover olive oil from the cooked tomatoes and serve immediately.
How to Make Penne with Spinach Pesto with detailed step by step recipe photo?
1. Heat water in a pan until it starts boiling. Add Spinach leaves and take it out from the water in 30 secs (Blanching process). Run cool water over the spinach to stop the cooking process.
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2. In the same boiling water add Olive Oil, Salt and Penne Pasta.
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3. Boil pasta until al dente (For authentic “al dente” pasta, boil uncovered, stirring occasionally for 11 minutes) and drain the water.
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4. Roughly chop blanched spinach and put into a mixer jar, add garlic cloves and grind well.
5. Add roasted peanuts and extra virgin olive oil and grind to make a smooth spinach pesto.
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6. Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan. Cut tomatoes into big cubes and add to the pan, toss well and cook till the tomatoes are soft. Switch off the heat, transfer the tomatoes into a plate and set aside to cool.
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7. Heat the same non-stick pan, add penne, spinach pesto and salt and mix well.
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8. Add mixed dried herbs and milk and mix well. Add grated cheese and mix well. Add black pepper powder and mix well.
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9. Add cooked tomatoes, reserving some, and mix well and cook for a minute
10. Transfer onto a serving platter, garnish with reserved cooked tomatoes and drizzle leftover olive oil from the cooked tomatoes and serve immediately.
In India we don’t get Pecan Nuts or Basil leaves so easily. this dish is an innovative way to make using ingredients available in Indian Kitchen. Nice work. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing a good article about good food and overall your blog is great full of good content. Thanks a lot.