Instant Pot Bow Tie Spinach Pesto Pasta (No Pine Nuts Or Basil)
This creamy and delicious instant pot pesto pasta using spinach leaves is so easy to make and its vegetarian, kid friendly recipe. Its not nut free since we use cashews in the preparation. This is an easy dinner or meal which is ready under 30 minutes.
Servings: 8
Calories: 478kcal
Ingredients
- 16 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle pasta)
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- salt as needed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
for the sauce
- 2 cups spinach leaves
- 1 cup cashews soak the cashews in water before making the sauce if you want it very smooth
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Add washed spinach leaves and cashews to a blender. Also add 2 cups of water and blend until very smooth. Keep this prepared pesto sauce aside.
- Add the pasta shells to the instant pot and also add the 4 cups of water. Sprinkle enough salt, garlic powder and onion powder, gently mix in.
- Place the butter on top and close the pot with lid in sealing position.
- Press manual button and cook in high pressure for 1 minute. Once the cooking is done, wait for a natural pressure release for 12 minutes and then carefully do a controlled manual pressure release.
- Once the pressure is all released, carefully open the lid and add the prepared spinach pesto sauce to the pot.
- Also add the milk and olive oil, gently mix.
- Finally add the shredded cheese and stir well to combine with the pasta.
- Serve hot sprinkled with oregano powder (& also add red chili flakes or black pepper powder if you wish). Make sure to always serve this hot, so if its cooled you can reheat and serve.
Notes
As you add the pesto pasta sauce, the pasta may look little too saucy, but after a few minutes the pasta will absorb most of the liquid from the sauce and it will be perfect!
Nutrition
Calories: 478kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 254mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1025IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 250mg | Iron: 2mg