Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup Minced spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup Minced fresh parsley
• 1 Tbs Dried basil
• 1 Tbs Olive oil, extra-virgin
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbs Light miso
• 1/4 cup Pine nuts, toasted

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place minced spinach leaves, minced fresh parsley, dried basil, olive oil, minced garlic cloves, light miso, and toasted pine nuts in a blender.
2. Puree the ingredients until you achieve a smooth paste.
3. Toss the prepared paste with hot pasta of your choice.

Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious spinach and herb pesto pasta!

Here are some variations of the spinach and herb pesto pasta recipe:

1. Creamy Spinach and Herb Pesto: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the blender while making the pesto for a creamy and indulgent twist.
2. Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pesto: Incorporate 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the blender along with the other ingredients for a rich and tangy pesto.
3. Nutty Spinach and Herb Pesto: Substitute the pine nuts with almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for a different nutty flavor and texture.
4. Cheesy Spinach and Herb Pesto: Mix in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese to the pesto for added richness and umami.
5. Spicy Spinach and Herb Pesto: Include a dash of red pepper flakes or a fresh chili pepper to give the pesto a bit of heat.
6. Green Pea and Spinach Pesto: Combine 1/4 cup of cooked green peas with the other ingredients in the blender to add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
7. Lemon and Spinach Pesto: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon to brighten up the flavors of the pesto.
8. Avocado Spinach Pesto: Blend in half a ripe avocado with the other ingredients for a creamy and nutritious twist.
9. Roasted Garlic Spinach Pesto: Instead of raw garlic, use roasted garlic cloves for a milder and slightly sweet flavor.
10. Mediterranean Spinach Pesto: Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped Kalamata olives and a tablespoon of capers to give the pesto a Mediterranean flair.
11. Roasted Vegetable Spinach Pesto: Toss roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini with the pasta and pesto for a delightful and colorful dish.
12. Pesto Alfredo Pasta: Mix the spinach and herb pesto with a classic Alfredo sauce for a lusciously creamy and flavorful pasta dish.
13. Pesto Shrimp Pasta: Sauté some shrimp in olive oil and garlic, then toss them with the pasta and spinach pesto for a delicious seafood twist.
14. Greek Spinach Pesto: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and chopped fresh dill to the pesto for a Greek-inspired pasta dish.
15. Thai-inspired Spinach Pesto: Blend in some coconut milk, fresh cilantro, and a dash of Thai red curry paste for a vibrant and exotic twist.
16. Pesto Primavera Pasta: Incorporate a mix of blanched spring vegetables like asparagus, peas, and artichoke hearts into the pasta and pesto for a fresh and seasonal dish.
17. Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breast: Slice a pocket into a boneless chicken breast, stuff it with the spinach pesto, and bake until the chicken is cooked through.
18. Pesto Veggie Wrap: Spread the spinach pesto on a tortilla, add sliced avocado, cucumber, shredded carrots, and lettuce, then roll it up into a delicious and nutritious wrap..