Linguine with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Baby Spinach
A vibrant pasta dish tossed in a bright sun-dried tomato pesto with fresh baby spinach, perfect for a quick vegetarian dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes blends linguine pasta, drained sun-dried tomatoes in oil, toasted pine nuts 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 480 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 linguine pasta
- 1/2 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated, plus extra for serving Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz linguine pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine 1/2 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/3 cup olive oil. Pulse until smooth but still slightly textured.
- Step 3: Transfer the cooked linguine back to the pot over low heat. Add the sun-dried tomato pesto, 4 cups fresh baby spinach, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce coats the pasta and spinach wilts.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Linguine with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Baby Spinach 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 Linguine with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Baby Spinach?
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 Linguine with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Baby Spinach?
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 Linguine with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Baby Spinach 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 Linguine with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Baby Spinach 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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
