Spinach Pesto Pasta

Ingredients (Serves 3 – 4)

1. Orzo pasta – 1 cup

2. Baby spinach – 2 cups packed

    Basil leaves – 7 – 8 (optional)

    Garlic – 1 medium clove, roughly chopped

    Walnuts / pine nuts – 2 – 3 tbsp

    Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

    Extra-virgin olive oil – 2 + 2 tbsp

3. Salt – To taste

    Freshly ground pepper – 1 – 2 pinches

    Parmesan cheese, grated – 2 + 2 tbsp

4. Cherry tomatoes – 8 – 10, halved

    Olives – 5 – 6, sliced

    Feta cheese – 2  – 3 tbsp, crumbled

Method

1. Place the spinach, basil leaves, garlic, walnuts, lemon juice and 2 tbsp olive oil. Blend until smooth scraping sides in between. Add remaining olive oil while blending. Transfer to a small bowl. Add salt, pepper and 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese.

2. Cook orzo pasta according to package instructions. Drain well. While still warm, add the spinach pesto and 2 tbsp parmesan cheese to the cooked orzo and mix well. Add sliced cherry tomatoes, olives, crumbled feta cheese and toss well. Enjoy as a side-dish with grilled chicken!