Gluten-free pasta pesto

Posted June 22, 2010

This was a quick and delicious pasta dish that was perfect for a summer lunch. I didn't have quite enough fresh basil for the pesto, so I used half basil and half spinach. It turned out fantastic!

Gluten-free Pasta with Spinach and Basil Pesto -- prep time: 20 minutes; serves 4

Ingredients

1/4 cup raw pine nuts
1 cup fresh basil
1 cup fresh spinach
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
salt to taste
12 ounces gluten-free pasta
3 more cups fresh spinach
1 more tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions.

In the meantime, in a food processor, place 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1 cup basil, 1 cup spinach and 3 cloves of garlic. Process until pasty. Then slowly process in the olive oil. Add salt to taste.

In a skillet/sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté 3 cups of spinach until lightly cooked. Do not overcook. Spinach should remain quite green.

Drain and rinse pasta. Combine pasta, pesto and sautéed spinach in a large bowl. Stir to mix all ingredients together. Serve warm or cold.