Ravioli or Tortellini With Pesto and Spinach

Mama's Kitchen (Hope)'s Note:

Great simple yet tasty recipe that let's you get out of the kitchen and your family to the dinner table FAST! Great summer meal when you don't want to heat up the kitchen! Great way to hide some veggies! Consider adding some chopped zucchini or mushrooms to the sauce! Serve with a simple salad and maybe some crusty bread and you have a meal that will surely become a regular! (Note: 5 oz frozen spinach is half a box. Also, stuffed pasta amounts vary depending on fresh, frozen, brand etc... Use recommended amount per serving as listed on package if yours is different from what is listed here.)

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 12 ounces ravioli (any flavor you like, fresh, frozen or dried- amount will differ. Use comparable amount) or 12 ounces tortellini (any flavor you like, fresh, frozen or dried- amount will differ. Use comparable amount)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups baby spinach, fresh (cleaned and chopped) or 5 ounces frozen spinach (cleaned and chopped)
• 10 ounces basil pesto
• 4 ounces chicken broth (use more if you desire a thinner sauce) or 4 ounces vegetable broth (use more if you desire a thinner sauce)
• 2 ounces parmesan cheese, shredded (fresh is best and use as much as you like)

Garnish

• red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
• pine nuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Spray a skillet with cooking spray and saute minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped fresh spinach. If using frozen defrost and add to pan. Cook until wilted.
3. Add pesto and broth to pan and cook until heated through.
4. Plate pasta and top with sauce. Top with fresh grated parmesan. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

Reviews

[Speck42]

This is amazing! I think next time I will add asparagus. The only thing I changed was that I only used 4oz of basil pesto instead of 10oz. It was still full of flavor and saved me some calories. It is also super easy and quick to make.

[Marg (CaymanDesigns)]

What a wonderful recipe! Very easy to prepare and it taste amazing. I used it for a romantic dinner with my husband. However, I plan on preparing it regularly for the whole family from now on. I added sundried tomatoes to the spinach mixture and they complemented the other flavors really well. I also used 3 cheese tortellini. Thanks for posting, Hope!