CoQ10-Rich Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 pairs whole wheat spaghetti, packed fresh baby spinach, toasted walnuts for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

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). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover CoQ10-Rich Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole wheat spaghetti from drying out.

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.

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