Garlic courgette orzo pasta with spinach pesto

I was inspired by a recent trip to Carluccios to try and make a dish motivated by their flavours. I really love the spinach and courgette pasta dish (penne giardiniera) on their menu and wanted something similar. I had an idea to make a pesto using spinach instead of basil and it worked really well. Definitely have to make it again! I also used some Orzo pasta which is new to me but it is kind of like rice but starchier. I hope you like this recipe!

Recipe (serves 4)

  • 300g Orzo pasta
  • 4 courgettes cut into strips
  • 200g washed spinach

Sauce

  • 25g grated parmesan
  • 50g walnuts
  • 120g washed spinach
  • 8 tbsp. olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • salt and pepper

Method

  • Whizz up all the pesto sauce ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
  • Boil the courgettes in the microwave for 4 minutes.
  • Cook the pasta.
  • Add the sauce, courgettes and spinach to the pan and cook until the spinach has wilted.
  • Serve with grated parmesan on top.

This is really tasty and so quick to do. I love pesto and it is really healthy too!

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