Kid-Approved Spinach Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

SpinachPestoPastaWithCherryTomatoes03_236b_headerIngredients

  • 100g baby spinach leaves
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbs toasted slivered almonds
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 375g short pasta shapes (e.g. penne, fusilli, orrechiette)
  • 250g punnet small cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

  1. To make spinach pesto, place spinach, basil, almonds and garlic in a food processor. Process until finely chopped. Add oil and parmesan. Process to form a thick paste.

  2. Cook pasta in a large, deep pan of boiling water for 10 to 12 minutes or until just tender (al dente). Drain and return to same pan.

  3. Add spinach pesto to pasta. Stir over low-medium heat until pasta is coated with pesto and heated through.

  4. Stir in tomatoes. Serve hot.

Tips: To toast slivered almonds, spread over an oven tray. Bake in a moderate oven (180C) for 3-5 minutes until light golden. This pasta is also delicious served cold. Keep covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Great for school or office lunches.

Tasks for kids: Add ingredients to food processor for pesto (Step 1).

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Recipe courtesy of: HealthyKids

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