Warm pasta tossed with fresh basil and spinach in a very light cream sauce is an example of seasonal eating at it’s best. Inspired by the basil that is flourishing in our garden, this was a fun twist on pesto pasta and it still contained a fabulous load of flavor from the fresh basil. Or try Parmesan Pepper Pasta.
While I absolutely loved this pasta, my kids were less than impressed. Both of my older boys would have been happier without the greens and my youngest happily removed all green items from his plate before he ate the rest of his pasta. I’m calling this recipe a keeper though, because I have every intention of making this again, just for myself!
Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Basil and Spinach
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta I used brown rice fusilli
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 2 generous handfuls baby spinach about 4 cups
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- kosher salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta, the minced garlic and a generous pinch of salt. Cook the pasta just until tender and then scoop out ½ a cup of the pasta water. Set the water aside and then drain the pasta.
- Pour the cream into the bottom of the same pot and warm it over medium heat. Once it is warm, add the pasta and about ¼ cup of the reserved water back into the pot and toss gently to coat the pasta well. Add the basil and spinach leaves and toss to wilt. Season generously with salt and pepper and cook over medium low heat for a couple minutes, tossing constantly. Stir in Parmesan and remaining water as needed in order to achieve a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Enjoy!
IdaBaker says
This looks super yummy. The combination of spinach, pasta, and cheese is one of my favorites.
Jenn says
The pasta looks incredibly creamy and wonderful! If served to me, I would have eaten everything… green and all. 🙂
Anash says
oh my! looks delish! Thanks for a super giveaway!
My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Joanne says
I've been craving basil infused pasta dishes lately so this sounds just perfect! And the more greens the better, in my opinion!
Sonja says
This looks really good! my basil is taking off – will have to put this on the menu this week. THanks Mary!
Meg S says
Oh wow, this looks tasty. My stomach is actually rumbling right now.
'Le ricette dell'Amore Vero' di Claudia Annie says
buona questa pasta, complimenti! un bacione e buon inizio settimana 🙂
Athena @ Lifes Abundant Adventures says
Looks delicious!!
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
I do miss pasta since we're doing the gluten free thing. A simple cream sauce with fresh basil – sounds terrific! I hope my basil gets on with it so I can make and freeze some pesto soon. Great photos too! Hope you are / or will enjoy your camping trip.
Mary says
Hey Tricia, I actually used a brown rice pasta when I made this and it turned out perfectly. It is definitely worth playing with the different kinds of pasta to find one you like! We've had great luck with a couple of different corn pastas too.
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
Thank you so much! I love a summer pasta salad with fresh tomatoes, etc. so I will try the brown rice pasta soon. Thanks again Mary.
[email protected] says
I'm completely gluten free and I love quinoa pasta. Also Schars pasta acts like "regular" pasta and doesn't get gummy. Looks delicious Mary.
Anonymous says
This looks bellisimo!!!! 🙂
-chris
Jessica says
Can not wait to try this. Pasta a and basil are two of my favorite things. And the giftcard to chasing fireflies would be fabulous. Their items are incredible.
Jessica says
Can not wait to try this. Pasta a and basil are two of my favorite things. And the giftcard to chasing fireflies would be fabulous. Their items are incredible.
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says
This looks so delicious and what a great giveaway!! Such a fun way to start the week.
Annie says
Lovely giveaway!
love2dine says
Wow, the food looks really appetizing!
Gracey says
Yummy!
My faorvite spice has always been basil, can't wait to see who wins the giveaway!
Jed Gray (sportsglutton) says
Fresh basil makes everything top notch! 🙂
The Slow Roasted Italian says
Love parmesan on pasta. This looks delicious!
Sue/the view from great island says
This sounds like one of our family's favorites, but it's made with ricotta instead of cream. Looks yummy, can't believe the boys didn't like it—they like everything!
Kelly says
It looks good to me! My kids actually like green things so I think they would actually eat this and ask for more! 🙂
Angie's Recipes says
The pasta looks creamy and delicious.