Eat Recipes

Spinach and Basil Pesto Fettuccine Recipe

We love pesto and our Spinach and Basil Pesto Fettuccine recipe is a perfect combination of fresh greens, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta! This dish is easy to make and can be customized with various ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or simply whipping up an easy weeknight dinner this recipe is sure to impress everyone.

Recipe substitutions and additions

  • Pasta – You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as linguine or spaghetti.
  • Pistachio Nuts – If you don’t have pine nuts, you can use walnuts, almonds or pine nuts instead.
  • Spinach – If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it fully and squeeze out the excess water before using it.
  • Recipe additions – you can add fresh mozzarella on top, halved cherry tomatoes or even sliced roast chicken to this dish.

Ingredients

  • 500g (1 pound) fettuccine pasta
  • 2 cups (60g) fresh basil leaves
  • 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup (45g) shelled pistachio nuts, plus extra to serve on top
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Method

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  2. In the meantime in a food processor, combine the basil, spinach, pistachio nuts, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until everything is finely chopped. ele Tip – if you don’t have a food processor you can use a traditional mortar and pestle.
  3. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top. Continue processing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Transfer the pesto to a large bowl. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until well combined.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the pesto and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  6. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped pistachios and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Love pasta and want more? Click here for Creamy Avocado Fettuccine and here for a Zucchini, Pistachio and Basil Spaghetti Recipe.

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