Super Greens Pesto Pasta

Super Greens Pesto Pasta is the perfect dish for anyone looking to get their daily dose of vegetables while indulging in something rich, satisfying, and utterly delicious. This recipe takes the traditional pesto alla Genovese and gives it a healthy twist. 

Instead of using basil, the pesto is made with spinach and cavolo nero (Tuscan kale), which adds a vibrant green colour and a nutrient-packed punch. Tossed with pasta and a hint of fresh lemon, this pesto offers a lighter, fresher take on the classic. It’s easy to make, quick to prepare, and packs a powerful punch of flavour.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Making the Perfect Super Greens Pesto
• Why Nuts Are Essential in the Pesto
• Cooking Tips: Pasta and Broccoli
• The Key to Even Coating
• Customising Your Super Greens Pesto Pasta
• More Pesto Recipes

Ingredient Breakdown

• Cavolo Nero (Tuscan Kale): This dark, leafy green is packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K. It has a slightly earthy flavour that works perfectly in pesto.
• Baby Spinach: Spinach is rich in iron and antioxidants, which makes it a great addition to this green pesto. It provides a milder taste than the kale while contributing to the pesto’s smooth texture.
• Pistachios: These unsalted, untoasted nuts add a creamy, slightly sweet flavour to the pesto and pair well with the leafy greens.
• Pine Nuts: A classic pesto ingredient, pine nuts lend richness and a nutty flavour that balances the earthiness of the greens.
• Garlic: Adds depth and a pungent kick, giving the pesto its distinct aromatic flavour.
• Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano: These hard cheeses bring a sharp, salty element to the pesto and help it emulsify into a smooth, spreadable paste.
• Olive Oil: Provides a silky texture and enriches the pesto’s flavours, making it glossy and easy to coat the pasta.
• Lemon: The zest and juice of the lemon brighten the dish, cutting through the richness of the pesto and adding a citrusy freshness.
• Pasta: The base of the dish; you can use any pasta you prefer, from spaghetti to fusilli. Its role is to hold the delicious pesto.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds another vegetable element, a touch of crunch, and a healthy dose of fibre, complementing the greens in the pesto.
  

Making the Perfect Super Greens Pesto

To create the perfect pesto, you need to make sure you blanch the greens just right. Blanching the spinach and cavolo nero helps to preserve their vibrant green colour and brings out their natural sweetness. Simply drop them into boiling salted water for no more than one minute. This quick process softens the greens while keeping them vibrant. Once done, drain and cool them under cold water. Squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the blender.

In a high-powered blender or food processor, blitz together the greens with pistachios, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and water until smooth. This will form the rich base of your pesto. The nuts not only help with the texture but also give the pesto a creamy consistency. The addition of lemon zest and juice gives the pesto a refreshing zing, balancing the earthy flavours of the kale and spinach.

Why Nuts Are Essential in the Pesto

The nuts used in this Super Greens Pesto Pasta are more than just flavour enhancers. They play a crucial role in achieving the ideal pesto texture. Pistachios, with their slightly sweet and creamy texture, add a rich mouthfeel that balances the sharpness of the greens. Pine nuts, on the other hand, contribute a subtle nuttiness and help create the signature smooth consistency of pesto. Together, these nuts provide a wonderful contrast to the greens, helping to create a creamy yet slightly chunky sauce.

Nuts are also a great source of healthy fats. In particular, monounsaturated fats which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and support heart health. Additionally, they provide protein, fibre, and essential minerals like magnesium, which aids in muscle function and relaxation. By incorporating these nuts into the pesto, you’re not just adding texture, but also boosting the dish’s nutritional value. They’re a key component that elevates the flavour and health benefits of this vibrant pesto.

Cooking Tips: Pasta and Broccoli

Cooking the pasta and broccoli requires some attention to detail to ensure both are perfectly cooked and enhance the final dish. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Then cook the pasta according to the package instructions. The pasta should be al dente, providing a satisfying bite that holds up well against the creamy pesto.

At the same time, steam or boil your broccoli for 1-2 minutes. The goal is to keep it crisp, offering a slight crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender pasta and pesto. Be sure to drain the broccoli well and set it aside, ready for you to toss into the pasta and pesto mixture.

The Key to Even Coating

Once your pasta is cooked, it’s time to bring everything together. The key here is to use some of the pasta cooking water to help the pesto coat the pasta evenly. Don’t forget to save a bit of this starchy water before draining the pasta! The starch in the water helps the pesto adhere to the noodles and gives the whole dish a smooth, velvety texture.

Transfer the cooked pasta to the bowl of pesto, and use tongs or a spoon to toss everything together gently. Add the broccoli and continue tossing to combine. The goal is to ensure every piece of pasta and broccoli is well coated in the pesto sauce. The warmth of the pasta will help the pesto melt into every bite, creating a perfectly balanced, flavour-packed dish.

Customising Your Super Greens Pesto Pasta

One of the best things about this Super Greens Pesto Pasta is how adaptable it is. If you’re looking for a vegan option, simply swap the Parmesan for a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast. You can also add other vegetables like roasted peppers or peas for extra flavour and texture. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of chilli flakes can add a gentle kick to the pesto.

You can also vary the nuts based on what you have available. Walnuts, cashews, or almonds all work well as substitutes for the pistachios and pine nuts. This flexibility ensures that you can adapt the dish to your tastes or dietary needs while keeping it just as delicious.

More Pesto Recipes

If you’ve got a craving for more pesto after making this Super Greens Pesto Pasta, then here are some more of my pesto-based recipes for you to try:

• Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad: My go-to for when I want something fresh, vibrant, and satisfying. It’s packed with roasted sweet peppers, courgettes, and aubergines, plus a generous handful of fresh spinach and basil for extra greens.
• Kale Pesto Pasta: This delicious pesto is reminiscent of the traditional pesto alla genovese despite not having an ounce of basil in it. Instead, it’s packed with lots of healthy cavolo nero (Tuscan kale), which lends it a beautifully rich dark green hue. 
• Avocado Pesto Potato Salad: The perfect summery side to all your BBQ favourites! You can’t go wrong with new potatoes tossed in a delicious, flavourful ‘dressing’ made with avocado and classic basil pesto ingredients.

See how I make all these recipes and more over on my Instagram!