Spinach Pistachio Pesto Pasta
Total Time
20 mins
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Rating
4.73 out of 5 stars
(11)
Ingredients
8
- 1 lb rigatoni or your favorite pasta
- 4 cups packed Kroger spinach leaves
- 2 cups packed Simple Truth basil leaves
- 1/4 cup shelled pistachios
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
- Shredded parmesan cheese for garnish
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Preparation
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil and add salt. Slowly add the pasta and stir gently. Return to a boil and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until desired tenderness.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, make the spinach pistachio pesto. In a food processor, add the spinach, basil, pistachios, garlic, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Turn the food processor on and slowly stream in the olive oil. Mix until pesto is smooth. Stop the machine and remove the lid. Scrape down the sides with a spatula and mix again if necessary. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. If you want the pesto to be a little thinner, you can add more olive oil.
Step 3
Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and put it in a large bowl. Add the pesto (start with half of the recipe) and ¼ cup of the pasta water to the pasta and stir until pasta is well coated. Add additional pesto and pasta water, if necessary, until desired consistency and flavor is reached. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm.
Step 4
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Chef's notes
You can store the pesto in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 week. Pesto also freezes well and we always like to keep some in our freezer. You can freeze pesto in a glass jar, freezer bag, or freezer container, but my favorite way is in an ice cube tray! Place the pesto in the ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw when you are ready to use. The pesto ice cubes are perfect for when you need a little pesto or a lot! So easy!
