Spinach & Basil Pesto w/ Bow Tie Pasta

If you ever find yourself in the mood for a quick, easy, and healthy lunch, Spinach & Basil Pesto just might be the meal for you. After visiting our sister for the holidays, and indulging in her amazing pesto pasta, we set out to make our own creation, which we have cooked many times since then. After learning that the integral ingredient of pesto was pine nuts, we set out on a neighborhood journey to find these nuts. We went to every grocery store and food-mart within walking distance. We first checked out our local organic and natural food store, but was disappointed with the price of the pine nuts (roughly 4 ounces for more than $14- it felt like a ripe off!).

After checking out multiple supermarkets, we found that the pine nuts were sold at one of our local produce stores, where we purchased the basil and spinach.

Pine Nuts, raw

Pine nuts, which are shaped like mini corn kernels and have a cream color, are more expensive than other nuts, like cashews, almond, or Brazil nuts. But these nuts give the pesto a unique, nutty flavor! With a high speed blender or food processor, this dish will be ready in about 10 minutes. Serve with a side of baked pork chops, breaded chicken cutlets, or salmon. We added spinach for added greens and it was awesome. Leftover pesto can be refrigerated or kept frozen until ready to toss over pasta or spread over bread.

Ingredients

• 2 bunches of Fresh Basil, thoroughly rinsed and stems removed
• 12 ounces (2 packages) Fresh Baby Spinach, thoroughly rinsed
• 1/2 cup Pine Nuts
• 8 ounces shredded Parmesan Cheese
• 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• 3 cloves of garlic
• Cooked Bow Tie Pasta (or your favorite pasta)
  

  Fresh Spinach, rinsed

Directions

1. Add half of the olive oil into a blender (or food processor) along with garlic gloves, basil leaves, spinach, and pine nuts and blend. Depending on the size of your blender, you may need to add the ingredients gradually or make the pesto in two batches.
2. Gradually add the remaining olive oil along with the cheese, salt, and black pepper. Ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly blended and the mixture is smooth. Taste once blended, and add more salt and/or black pepper as needed.
3. Pour mixture over hot, fresh pasta. Mix evenly and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Ready to eat!