Pasta with Creamy Spinach Sauce and Pine Nuts

Pasta with a creamy spinach sauce and toasted pine nuts is the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and a delightful crunch from the pine nuts. The sauce is made from fresh spinach, giving it a vibrant green color and a smooth, velvety texture. Topped with toasted pine nuts, this dish is as elegant as it is simple, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or special occasion. This recipe comes together quickly, and the combination of fresh spinach and golden pine nuts creates a dish that’s light yet satisfying.

Ingredients:

• Pasta – 400g (fettuccine, penne, or your preferred pasta)
• Fresh spinach – 4 cups (about 200g), washed and chopped
• Pine nuts – ¼ cup, toasted
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Heavy cream – ½ cup
• Grated Parmesan cheese – ⅓ cup (optional)
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – to taste
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) – for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

2. Toast the Pine Nuts

While the pasta is cooking, toast the pine nuts. In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the pine nuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside.

3. Sauté the Spinach and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until wilted and soft.

4. Blend the Spinach Sauce

Transfer the sautéed spinach to a blender or food processor. Add the heavy cream and blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend it less thoroughly. Return the sauce to the skillet and keep warm over low heat.

5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the pasta is fully coated with the spinach sauce, transfer it to serving plates. Top each serving with the toasted pine nuts and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy spinach and crunchy pine nuts.

Serving Suggestions:

Pasta with creamy spinach sauce and pine nuts is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also pair it with grilled vegetables or even a protein dish like roasted vegetables for added texture.

Tips for the Best Spinach Sauce:

• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach works best in this recipe, but you can also use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before cooking.

• Pine Nuts: Pine nuts toast quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Their nutty, rich flavor complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Blending the Sauce: For a smoother sauce, blend the spinach thoroughly. If you prefer more texture, blend it less or use a hand blender to keep some spinach bits intact.

Variations:

• Add Protein: For a heartier dish, add cooked vegetables like roasted zucchini or cherry tomatoes.

• Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or almond milk, and skip the Parmesan cheese.

• Cheesy Twist: If you enjoy a cheesy flavor, add more grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano to the sauce. The saltiness of the cheese pairs well with the fresh spinach.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This pasta with creamy spinach sauce and pine nuts is both simple and elegant, making it perfect for any occasion. The combination of smooth spinach sauce and the crunch of toasted pine nuts creates a delightful contrast in textures, while the fresh herbs and garlic infuse the dish with bright flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Make-Ahead Tips:

The creamy spinach sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to refresh the consistency. Cook the pasta fresh and toss with the reheated sauce just before serving.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little pasta water or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.

Conclusion:

Pasta with creamy spinach sauce and pine nuts is a delicious, wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The fresh spinach sauce and the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts come together to create a perfect dish that’s sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy the creamy, satisfying flavors of spinach and pine nuts in every bite!