Whole Wheat Pasta with Spinach and Walnut Pesto
1. Name and History
Whole Wheat Pasta with Spinach and Walnut Pesto is a nutritious twist on traditional pasta dishes, offering the heartiness of whole wheat pasta combined with a unique, nutrient-rich pesto. The classic basil pesto is reinvented here with spinach and walnuts, providing a creamy texture and rich flavor while adding a boost of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
2. Ingredient Substitutions and Enhancements:
Whole Wheat Pasta: Choose any shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute with chickpea or lentil pasta.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal for the pesto, but you can also use kale or arugula for a peppery taste.
Walnuts: These add a rich, earthy flavor and healthy omega-3 fats. You can substitute with almonds, pine nuts, or even sunflower seeds.
Parmesan Cheese: For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Garlic: Adds a sharp, savory depth to the pesto. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and health benefits.
3. Cooking Steps
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 200 grams (about 2 cups) of whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine 100 grams (about 4 cups) of fresh spinach, 50 grams (1/2 cup) of walnuts, 50 grams (1/2 cup) of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic, and 60 ml (1/4 cup) of olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Pesto: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the spinach and walnut pesto until evenly coated.
Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with extra grated Parmesan, a handful of toasted walnuts, or a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Pro Tips
Tip 1: Reserve some pasta cooking water and add it to the pasta-pesto mixture if you want a thinner sauce.
Tip 2: Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the pesto to enhance their flavor.
Tip 3: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto for a bright, zesty flavor that complements the richness of the nuts.
5. Main Takeaways
Nutritious and Filling: Whole wheat pasta offers more fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta, making this dish more satisfying.
Versatile Pesto: The spinach and walnut pesto is a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional basil pesto and can be used in other dishes like sandwiches or as a dip.
Quick and Easy: This dish is simple to prepare, making it perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.