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Basil, Walnut & Spinach Pesto Pasta

adapted from Clean Green Simple
Author: The Kitchen Prep

Ingredients

  • 1 lb quinoa pasta or any pasta, really
  • 4-7 cloves garlic minced (I just grated it on my microplane)
  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • ¾ cups unsalted walnuts lightly toasted
  • 1 onion minced
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • c. water I found I needed just a splash more to get things moving in the blender
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 bunch asparagus stems removed, chopped into 1-2 inch pieces
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes halved

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and add onion mixture to food processor or blender.
  • Return the pan to the stove over medium heat and add asparagus. Heat the asparagus for 4-6 minutes until tender crisp.
  • While asparagus cooks, add water, salt, spinach, basil, and toasted walnuts to blender or food processor and blend until smooth, drizzling a steady stream of olive oil while the blender runs. {I'm not entirely sure how much I added, probably about ¼ cup, just enough to get everything moving smoothly in the blender.} Taste and season accordingly.
  • When asparagus is ready, combine all ingredients, including halved cherry tomatoes in pasta pot or large bowl and toss together gently.
  • I sprinkled a tiny bit of parmesan on the top, but truthfully, it didn't even need it. Enjoy your veggies!