Creamy Spinach and Walnut Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This vibrant spinach pasta is a quick and healthy meal packed with fresh flavors. Creamy walnut and garlic sauce combined with tender spaghetti makes for a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 350 grams Spaghetti
- 8 cloves Garlic
- 4 tbsp Walnuts
- 5 cups Spinach (chopped)
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Take a large cooking pot, fill it with water, and bring it to a full boil. Add salt to taste.
- Step 2: Add garlic and walnuts to the boiling water. Blanch for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside in a bowl.
- Step 3: Add the chopped spinach to the hot water and cook for 30 seconds until bright green and wilted. Strain and transfer to a blender.
- Step 4: Add the blanched garlic and walnuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the blender. Blend until creamy and smooth.
- Step 5: Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water according to package directions. Before draining, reserve some pasta cooking liquid. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Step 6: Pour the green sauce over the hot pasta, adding some reserved pasta liquid to loosen the sauce if needed. Toss well and serve immediately with a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the walnuts lightly before blanching to enhance their flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, fresher taste.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat variation.
- Swap walnuts for pine nuts or almonds if preferred.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach well before using to avoid excess water in the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
The recipe includes Parmesan cheese, which is not vegan. You can substitute it with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
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Creamy Spinach and Walnut Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and creamy spinach pasta recipe featuring a flavorful sauce made from blanched spinach, garlic, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of lemon juice. This quick and easy dish combines fresh ingredients to create a healthy, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 350 grams Spaghetti
Sauce
- 8 cloves Garlic
- 4 tbsp Walnuts
- 5 cups Spinach (chopped)
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil Water: Take a large cooking pot and fill it with water. Bring the water to a full rolling boil and add salt to taste to season the pasta water.
- Blanch Garlic and Walnuts: Add the garlic cloves and walnuts directly into the boiling water. Blanch them for 30 seconds to soften and release their flavors, then remove them from the water with a slotted spoon and set aside in a bowl.
- Blanch Spinach: Add the chopped spinach into the boiling water and cook for 30 seconds until it turns bright green and wilts. Drain the spinach using a strainer and transfer it to a blender.
- Prepare Sauce: Into the blender with the spinach, add the blanched garlic and walnuts, Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend all ingredients until the mixture is creamy and smooth, creating a vibrant green sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve some of the pasta cooking liquid to adjust the sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the cooking pot.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the prepared green sauce over the hot pasta along with some of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor and shine.
Notes
- Blanching the garlic and walnuts quickly enhances their flavor without overpowering the sauce.
- Reserving pasta water is essential to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling better to the pasta.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
- You can substitute walnuts with pine nuts or almonds if preferred.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh vibrant flavors and creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: spinach pasta, creamy spinach sauce, easy Italian pasta, garlic walnut pasta, healthy pasta recipe
