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!
Julie says
thanks for the giveaway
[email protected]
Autumn@GoodEatsGirl says
This looks like a great pasta salad for summer! YUM!
Geni says
This is right up my alley Mary! I would love the added greens and a light cream sauce is perfect for the warmer weather.
Pam says
It looks so creamy and delicious!
Blond Duck says
I should plan my entire menu off your blog.
amy beth marantino says
this recipe looks like a winner.
Words Of Deliciousness says
Sounds like the perfect pasta dish. I would love it for a nice summer meal.
Anna @ hiddenponies says
What a lovely fresh pasta! I love parmesan and cream sauce more than any other pasta sauce, and I love that all the ingredients are things I usually have on hand – beautiful job!
katie says
this pasta looks amazing! i can't wait to try it.
Lea Ann (Cooking on the Ranch) says
This pasta sounds wonderful and looks even better. Great photos. A great Summer pasta dish that I must make soon. I've got a basil plant that bursting with leaves. Thanks for this giveaway, I'd love to win.
Anonymous says
great looking recipe! bunkie.
momgateway says
Great idea, my basil is just growing so fast in my garden and I've ran out of recipes — but now I have another recipe for basil –yey!
kim says
this pasta looks fantastic, i love fresh basil!
Demandra says
Commenting, 'cuz I like to win stuff. Also, I am starving. I need to move in so that I can eat all this deliciousness.
curiouscuisiniere says
This looks great! I made something similar recently. What is it about basil and Parmesan? Yum!
Deanna G. says
That looks so yummy! 🙂
Mallory says
Maybe if you pureed the spinach into the sauce they would be more inclined to eat it? Just an idea. I love my greens though, I bet it would be great with swiss chard or even some kale in there!
Gemma says
Gosh this looks scrumptious!
Anonymous says
Yummy going to make for dinner tonight!!
Michelle
[email protected]
Kristin says
This recipe looks so good! I can't wait to go pluck some basil and whip this up!