One-Pot Spinach and Basil Pesto Penne
A vibrant one-pot pasta combining fresh spinach and homemade basil pesto for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends penne pasta, roughly chopped fresh spinach, basil pesto 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 penne pasta
- 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, combine 12 oz penne pasta, 4 cups chopped fresh spinach, 1/2 cup basil pesto, 4 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 2: Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Toss until cheese melts and sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil leaves if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spinach and Basil Pesto Penne take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Spinach and Basil Pesto Penne?
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 One-Pot Spinach and Basil Pesto Penne?
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 One-Pot Spinach and Basil Pesto Penne 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 One-Pot Spinach and Basil Pesto Penne 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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