Spinach Pesto Pasta

I love pesto.  The one time I tried making it years and years ago, it didn't turn out as good as I hoped it would.  I recently gave pesto another shot, but this time tried making a spinach pesto, based on this recipe from Allrecipes.

It turned out so yummy!

I tossed some spaghetti and chicken in the pesto, and it was a hit - my kids ate it up (and my middle son had three servings!).

The next day I even mixed some of the leftover pesto with mayo to make a spread for grilled sandwiches.  So delicious!

Spinach Pesto Pasta (pesto recipe adapted from Allrecipes)

Pesto Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 c spinach leaves
• 3/4 c fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and quartered
• 3/4 t sea salt
• 1/2 t freshly ground black pepper
• 1 T fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 c extra-virgin olive oil

1 12 oz package spaghetti, cooked

1 lb chicken, cooked and chopped

Directions:

• Blend all pesto ingredients until smooth.  
• Toss cooked spaghetti and chicken in spinach pesto.