Description
This Basil Spinach Pesto Rotini is a vibrant and healthy pasta dish featuring a fresh pesto made from spinach, basil, garlic, and olive oil. Tossed with rotini pasta, this meal is quick to prepare and can be customized with optional cherry tomato and parmesan toppings for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups spinach leaves
- 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for topping)
- 4 tablespoons parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
- Rotini pasta, quantity as per package instructions
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a small cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Make the Pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine spinach leaves, fresh basil leaves, garlic, salt, cracked black pepper, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, using a spoon to help work the leaves down into the oil as needed.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: Immediately transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl and pour the prepared pesto over it. Toss thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the pesto sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the pesto is too thick.
- Add Toppings: Garnish the pasta with halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference—less for a milder flavor, more for a bolder taste.
- Gluten-free pasta is a great alternative if you want to make this dish gluten-free.
- The cherry tomatoes and parmesan are optional but add lovely texture and flavor contrast.
- If you prefer a smoother pesto, blend longer; for chunkier texture, pulse to your desired consistency.
- Store leftover pesto in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: basil pesto, spinach pesto, rotini pasta, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, homemade pesto
