This creamy pesto pasta with spinach and pine nuts is one of those dishes that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s rich without being heavy, packed with fresh basil flavor, and finished with toasted pine nuts for the perfect crunch. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or serving guests, this pasta always impresses.
It’s simple, comforting, and comes together fast, which makes it a go-to when you want something that looks fancy without a lot of effort.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work best - 1 cup basil pesto
store-bought or homemade - ¾ cup heavy cream
or half and half for a lighter version - 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and pesto. Let the sauce gently warm for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper.
- Serve topped with toasted pine nuts and optional red pepper flakes or lemon juice.
Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta
- Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over low heat until lightly golden for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcook the spinach. It should be just wilted and bright green.
- Reserve pasta water every time. It helps create a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
Variations
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
- Swap spinach for arugula or kale
- Use cashew pesto or walnut pesto for a twist
- Make it dairy-free with coconut cream and vegan pesto
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Creamy but fresh
- Easy enough for weeknights, elegant enough for guests
- Perfect for spring and summer dinners
This creamy pesto pasta is the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again. Serve it with a simple salad and a glass of wine for an easy, elevated meal at home.
