Spinach Almond Pesto Pasta

Pesto sauce is origin of Italy. Traditionally it is prepared with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Olive oil and Parmesan cheese.  I have replaced basil with spinach and pine nuts with walnuts. Creamy green pesto gives a nice texture and taste to the recipe. Traditionally the pesto is prepared with mortar and wooden pestle. A simple, quick and healthy pasta. Please check below for step by step instructions and pictures for preparing Almond Spinach Pesto Pasta.




Preparation Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Ready in: 30 mins
Yields: 2 servings

Ingredients:
Table 1:

Any pasta	2 Cups
Grated Parmesan Cheese	For Garnishing

Table 2: Pesto sauce preparation

Baby Spinach Leaves (tightly packed)	2 Cups
Chopped almonds	2 tbsp
Olive oil	2 tsp
Garlic cloves chopped	1 tsp
Grated Parmesan Cheese	1/2 Cup

Instructions:

• Cook pasta in a large pan of boiling water along with salt as per instructions given in pasta packet.Drain excessive water by placing pasta in colander.Reserve 1/4 cup water.

Pesto sauce preparation:

• Wash spinach in running water for 3-4 times and keep it ready. Dry roast almonds till they turn golden colour. 

• Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chopped garlic cloves and fry till raw smell goes off. Add washed spinach and cook for 2-3 mins till the spinach leaves shrink in size. Switch off the stove and allow it to cool.

• Grind spinach, garlic cloves, almonds and 1/2 cup of cheese into smooth paste in blender by adding enough reserved water (Got from draining cooked pasta).

• Add the pesto sauce to the cooked pasta. Garnish with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Spinach Almond Pesto Pasta

Tips:

Freshly ground pepper can be added for garnishing.

Adjust garlic cloves to your taste.