Spinach pesto pasta in the Ninja 3 in 1 cooking system. (Recipe #2 in the cook like a Ninja series)

I wasn't expecting to have another recipe for my fellow Ninja chefs so soon but it turns out my family has this annoying habit of eating everyday. I mean really it's gets tiring sometimes and tonight was one of those nights. Regardless I think it ended up being a huge win on my part, this dish was so tasty I even surprised myself. Any who today's recipe Spinach pesto pasta is something I came up with based on what was in my fridge, which was based on what was in the discount section at my local Fresh & Easy Market.

I actually did pretty well considering there was no meat in the discount section since we got to the store after 9pm. Nevertheless I did score some ready made basil pesto for $1 marked down from $4. Also the Fresh & Easy brand organic pasta was only 99 cents a package. I don't eat strictly organic but if the organic pasta is literally one penny more than the regular stuff then why not?


I didn't particularly feel like eating meat tonight and wanted something simple the entire family (especially my sometimes picky 2 year old would enjoy).

He loves pasta almost as much as he loves PB & J sandwiches so that part was a no brainer. In the end the baby got a dinner he enjoyed so much he ate three servings of without even noticing it had spinach in it and I received compliments all night on a meal I pulled off in 30 minutes and costs roughly about $10 to make.

Here's the recipe, this is the Ninja version but of course it could be made on stove top as well.

Enjoy!

Ari

Spinach pesto pasta

1 8 oz package of basil pesto (bonus points if you make your own)
2 packages of linguini pasta
1 cup chopped frozen spinach
1/2 cup Feta cheese (I prefer an imported feta made from goats or sheep's milk)
5 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp kosher or sea salt
1/2 tbsp fresh ground black pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
3 tbsps salted butter
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1/2 cup half & half
24 oz water
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Set the Ninja to the stove top Hi setting and let it heat up for 2-3 minutes.

Add the olive  oil and butter, once the butter starts melting add the garlic and let cook for about 30 seconds.

Next add the pesto, half & half and wine. Let it warm for a few minutes then start adding your pasta (break it in half then add to the pot).

Now you can add the water, cover, set the Ninja to oven at 375 and let it cook for 20-25 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

Add the spinach, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Give it all a good stir recover and let cook an additional 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes check the pasta to make sure its fully cooked and no longer hard or chewy. Stir in the feta and serve.

I paired this dinner with a Cabernet since it was all I had on hand but it was amazing with the pasta. Hope you enjoy this one and please let me know if you tried it.