"Super easy, super delicious anytime dinner. Spinach pesto is the perfect way to “hide” your vegetables from yourself, the kids or that picky house guest. Naturally vegetarian, but you can easily add grilled chicken or Italian sausage into the mix."
Brown Butter Spinach Pesto Pasta
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Prep time: 10mins
Cook time: 30mins
Serves or Makes: 4
Recipe Card
ingredients
For the Spinach Basil Pesto
- 2 cups packed basil leaves
- 1 cup packed spinach leaves
- 1 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 6 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 lemon, zested, optional
ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
- Spinach basil pesto
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups reserved Pasta Water
- 1 pound penne
- 1 (8-ounce) ball fresh mozzarella
- olive oil, for finishing
Method
Make Spinach Basil Pesto
Step 1
In a food processor or blender, add the basil, the toasted pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese and salt into a food processor. You can start with ½ the garlic and ½ the salt to start, and add more as needed.
Step 2
Pulse the food processor, as you pulse, pour in the olive oil. Continue to process until all ingredients are incorporated. Taste test! Add in more garlic if you would like. It it's too strong or bitter (from the olive oil) add in a pinch or two of salt and pulse a few times to make sure it's mixed in. Salt will soften the intensity of the flavors. Set aside.
For the Pasta
Step 1
In boiling salted water cook your penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Scoop up 2 cups of pasta water and set aside. Drain your pasta.
Step 2
In a pan, over medium heat, melt the stick of butter. Once the butter is melted, turn up the heat slightly and start to brown your butter, about 3 minutes.
Step 3
Then add in all of the reserved spinach basil pesto. Cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring to combine. Add in the cherry tomatoes. Cook until they become soft and start to pop, 6-7 minutes.
Step 4
Add in the penne pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes to finish cooking the pasta, allowing the sauce to thicken up a little and by now, you will be able to break the tomatoes apart with a wooden spoon. Remove from the heat. Add in the fresh mozzarella cheese throughout.
Step 5
Top with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!