CoQ10-Rich Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta
A vibrant pesto pasta combining nutrient-dense spinach and walnuts with a CoQ10 supplement boost for a heart-healthy meal. This italian-inspired french (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes blends whole wheat spaghetti, packed fresh baby spinach, toasted walnuts into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti
- 4 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- 3/4 cup, toasted walnuts
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp CoQ10 supplement powder (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti for 9-11 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, toast 3/4 cup walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring frequently.
- Step 3: In a food processor, combine 4 cups fresh baby spinach, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, the toasted walnuts, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp CoQ10 powder. Pulse while slowly streaming in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until a smooth pesto forms.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the spinach-walnut pesto, adding reserved pasta water 2 tbsp at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does CoQ10-Rich Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover CoQ10-Rich Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in CoQ10-Rich Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale CoQ10-Rich Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is CoQ10-Rich Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Cooked this for my husband's birthday and he loved it. The CoQ10 boost is a nice bonus for our health routine.
- ★★★★★
This pesto was a hit with my kids! The spinach added a nice color and the walnuts gave it a great texture.
- ★★★★☆
The pesto was good, but it was slightly bland. Next time I'll add more garlic.
