Spinach Pasta With Cream, Nuts And Basil
Creamy spinach pasta with toasted nuts and fresh basil offers a rich, flavorful experience, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then transfer to a deep heated serving dish.
- Add butter in chunks, heated cream, and fresh basil; toss to combine.
- Season with fresh pepper as desired.
- Add pine nuts or crushed walnuts and grated Parmesan cheese; toss again.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a flavored butter or incorporating garlic when melting the butter. If you don't have pine nuts, walnuts work well as a substitute. Adjust the amount of cream to your preference for richness. Fresh basil can be replaced with pesto for a more intense flavor. This dish is also a great way to use up any leftover pasta from recipes like Baked Spaghetti Dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pasta with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top and a few fresh basil leaves for garnish. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or crusty Best Ever Breadsticks on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for added protein.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to help loosen the sauce. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may make the pasta rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Pasta With Cream, Nuts And Basil contains roughly 1143 calories, with 14g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spinach rotini adds a lovely color and flavor, you can substitute with any pasta you have on hand, such as fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free options. Just ensure to cook it according to package instructions for al dente texture.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by using vegan butter, coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Additionally, consider adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the butter while it's melting or adding a dash of hot sauce to the cream mixture. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper on top for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).