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In the ever-busy world of meal preparation, finding quick, nutritious, and delicious recipes can be a challenge. Enter the 20-Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Shallots—a dish that perfectly balances taste, convenience, and health. This delightful pasta dish marries the rich, herbaceous flavors of basil pesto with the creamy goodness of heavy cream, all while packing in fresh spinach and vibrant cherry tomatoes.

20 Minute Pasta | Creamy, Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta with spinach & shallots

Discover the perfect weeknight meal with this 20-Minute Creamy Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta featuring fresh spinach and shallots. This quick and easy recipe combines the rich flavors of basil pesto and creamy sauce with the vibrant taste of cherry tomatoes. Packed with nutrients and customizable to your taste, it’s a wholesome dish that anyone can enjoy. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a homemade pasta meal that’s both delicious and satisfying in just 20 minutes!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (spaghetti or penne works great)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 shallots, finely diced

2 cups fresh spinach, packed

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup prepared basil pesto

1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Shallots: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until they are translucent and fragrant.

      Add the Spinach and Tomatoes: Stir in the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.

        Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and add the basil pesto and heavy cream to the pan. Stir well to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes, until warmed.

          Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water (start with half). Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy pesto sauce. Adjust the consistency with more pasta water as needed.

            Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.

              Serve: Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings

                  5 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings