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    Home » Recipes

    21st March 2016 Dinner

    Home » Recipes

    Marks and Spencer copycat Spinach, Pine Nut and Pesto Pasta Salad

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    Marks and Spencer copycat Spinach, Pine Nut and Pesto Pasta Salad - This easy recipe for Pesto pasta salad is quick to make. It is packed full of flavour and is an easy weeknight dinner that anyone can make!

    Pesto Pasta in a bowl with a fork

    Marks and Spencer copycat Spinach, Pine Nut and Pesto Pasta Salad

    This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is silky, glossy and delicious without using excessive amounts of oil. What’s more, it tastes exactly like the M&S version and is so so delicious!

    If you are stressing about what to make for dinner tonight then this is the perfect recipe and it makes the perfect side dish too. It is quick and easy and one of my favourite meals. 

    It is the kind of recipe I make when I want plain, simple, good food. It reminds me of going to Italy and seeing the chefs cook there.

    They would just use a few simple ingredients and make the most amazing dishes.

    This Zesty Pesto Pasta reminds me of a time when i was was young and care free. In those days I used to work in HR.

    It was the most fast paced, high pressured environment i have ever worked in. It was the kind of place where Lunch breaks didn't always happen.

    So when we did make it out, we wanted to have something that was quick to grab but delicious too. 

    I loved that job.  Amongst all the pressure, we laughed a lot too. I mean that undignified belly laughing where someone inevitably lets out a snort.

    Most days, we would go to Tesco because it was around the corner but some days we would go into town, where just before we left, I would run into M&S and grab a spinach and pine nut pasta and a lemon drink. I enjoyed both in equal measures.

    What is Fresh Pesto?

    Traditional Pesto is a sauce that  originated in Genoa, Italy. It is made with crushed garlic, pine nuts, salt, basil leaves, and Parmesan/Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino. These are all blended with olive oil. 

    Store-bought Pesto isn't as good as Fresh Homemade Basil Pesto because it isn't always made with fresh ingredients. 

    Ingredients in Pesto Pasta

    This recipe is made with simple ingredients with classic flavors. Here is what you will need:

    Pasta Water - There is nothing worse then having pesto pasta that is dry. To combat this and to make a Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad, I always add some of the pasta cooking water to the Pesto.

    The benefit to adding the water is that the starch in the water emulsifies with the pesto and makes for a glossy pasta that is as far away from dry as you can imagine.

    Type of Pasta - You can use any pasta here. I have used both Spaghetti, Penne and Farfalle. M&S used Farfalle.

    Pesto - Made up of Basil, Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Salt, Olive Oil (Extra-Virgin Olive Oil) and Garlic.

    Spinach and Pine Nuts - These can be added on top. They add flavour and texture. 

    How to make Pesto Pasta

    This is my go-to recipe for Pesto Pasta Salad! It is the best pasta recipe and it is made with common ingredients. Here is how to make it:

    Pesto Pasta ingredients on a table

    It is pretty simple to make this delicious recipe. The basic steps to make this summer pasta salad are:

    Make the Homemade Pesto Sauce

    Blend (using a food processor or handheld stick) the Garlic, Basil, Pine Nuts, Parmesan, Oil, Salt and Pepper.

    Pesto ingredients in a measuring jug

    Boil Pasta in a large pot of salted water. You want al dente Pasta so cook using the pack instructions but reduce the time by 2 minutes.

    Mix the Pesto into the Farfalle Pasta. 

    Pesto on top of boiled pasta in pot

    Pesto pasta in pot

    Top with Spinach, extra Parmesan and lightly toasted Pine Nuts.

    Pesto pasta with spinach on top

     

    3 plates of pesto pasta with toppings

    Tips and tricks to make the best Pesto Pasta

    This recipe is pretty straight forward and ideal to serve at a Summer BBQ but these tips and tricks will help it come out perfect each time:

    Reserve some of the pasta water 

    Reserving some of the pasta water makes for a silky pesto sauce. 

    Salt the pasta water

    Just ask Samin Nosrat. Salting water for pasta is essential.

    Add Spinach at the very end

    If you are adding any additional salad like Spinach to this fresh Basil Pesto Pasta salad, add it at the end so it doesn’t wilt and become mushy.

    Toss Pasta in a bowl

    Toss the pasta and pesto together in a large bowl. Not in a pot and definitely not over heat. Basil doesn't like heat.

    Eat it at room temperature

    It is better to eat this pasta chilled. Re heating it doesn't bode well. I mean you can if you want, but it is better chilled just like they do it in M&S.

    Add some Lemon

    A squeeze of Lemon Juice works really well with any Pesto based dish. Feel free to add that at the end.

    Variations

    This easy family meal is a really good Pasta Salad, but you can amend it according to your taste. Here is how you can change things up:

    Veg - Serve with Veg like Sun-Dried tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Red Onion, Grape Tomatoes, fresh Cherry Tomatoes or any Juicy Tomatoes.

    Pine Nuts -You can add toasted pine nuts to the finished pasta to bring out their nutty deliciousness.

    Egg - I sometimes add a poached egg over the top..trying not to dribble right now.

    Spinach - You can add other leaves instead such as Rocket.

    Add more Cheese - This Pesto Pasta tasted great with added Cheese such as Pecorino, fresh Mozzarella Pearls or Feta.

    other nuts/seeds to use in place of the pine nuts - Walnuts, Pistachios, Almonds, Pecans, Sunflower Seeds or Hemp Seeds.

    Other pasta Shapes - You can use any short Pasta you like in this recipe such as Rigatoni, Ziti, Spaghetti, Fusilli. Whatever you like. 

    other greens that you can use instead of basil - Mint, Coriander, Parsley, Kale, Rocket, Spinach, Avocado.

    An alternative Pesto - You can also make a Muhammara style pesto by roasting a red pepper and blending that into the pesto. 

    Make it Vegan - Use Nutritional yeast, in place of the parmesan to make it Vegan.

    Add some Heat - Add a pinch of Red Chilli Flakes

    Add some texture and flavour - Add a sprinkling of Zataar at the end.

    Skip the Pesto - Stir in some Harissa Paste instead.

    Use this Avocado alternative -  I have a lovely Avocado chutney recipe that I sometimes add to Pasta.

    How to serve Pesto Pasta

    Pasta Pesto is an easy side dish or main dish and it can be served with a number of sides such as:

    Bruschetta

    Garlic Bread

    A Tomato based Salad

    Chicken

    Prawns

    A big green Salad

    Roast Vegetables 

    Storage for Pesto Pasta

    Leftover Pesto Pasta Salad will last in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

    To serve, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before eating. 

    FAQS

    What goes well with Pesto Pasta?

    Garlic bread, Bruschetta, a Tomato based salad, Grilled Chicken 

    Do you add pesto to hot or cold pasta?

    Warm pasta is best as it is easier for the pesto to incorporate fully into the pasta.

    Is Pesto Pasta Healthy?

    Yes it is in moderation. The ingredients themselves are packed full of vitamins and minerals. 

    Why should you not heat Pesto?

    Some of the ingredients don’t react well to being heated such as the Basil.

    Is Pesto Pasta Italian?

    Yes, it originated in Genoa, Italy.

    Which pasta do you use for Pesto Pasta?

    You can use any pasta you like here. Pesto pasta works with all pasta shapes. My preferred shape is Farfelle or Rigatoni.

    More Pasta Recipes:

    Gigli pasta with Chickpeas

    Butter Chicken Pasta

    Tiktok Pasta

    Masala Pasta with Chicken and Cheese

    Gigi Hadid Pasta without Vodka

    **if you make and enjoy this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating. please tag us on instagram. we love to see your creations and your feedback helps us to shape future content! we love to hear from you. thankyou! 

    3 plates of pesto pasta with toppings
    4.53 from 21 votes
    Print

    Marks and Spencer copycat Spinach, Pine Nut and Pesto Pasta Salad

    Marks and Spencer copycat Spinach, Pine Nut and Pesto Pasta Salad - This Pesto pasta is quick and easy to make. It is packed full of flavour and is an easy weeknight dinner that anyone can make!

    Course Lunch
    Cuisine Italian
    Keyword Italian;, M&S Pasta, Parmesan, Spinach, Pine Nut Pasta, Pasta, Pesto, Pesto Pasta
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 370 kcal
    Author Safira

    Ingredients

    Pesto

    • 70 g Basil Leaves 2 cups
    • 2 cloves Garlic
    • 40 g Pine Nuts
    • 70 g Parmesan grated
    • 100 ml Olive Oil
    • Salt and Pepper

    Pasta

    • 300 g Farfelle or any pasta shape
    • 2 tsp Salt

    Toppings

    • 2 tbsp Pine Nuts Lightly toasted
    • Handful Spinach Leaves
    • 2 tbsp Parmesan grated

    Instructions

    1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil with the salt. Boil the pasta according to pack instructions. Scoop out 300 ml water and set aside. Drain pasta in a colander.

    2. Combine the ingredients for the Pesto in a blender and blend till combined. Add 75 ml water and blend again. Taste and adjust seasoning.

    3. Add the pesto to the pasta in a large bowl and combine, adding more water if required to make the sauce silky. Toss together to combine.

    4. Divide between bowls and add additional parmesan, spinach and pine nuts.

    Recipe Notes

    Recipe Update

    This recipe was updated on 06/03/23. If you loved the original recipe, the measurements for the Pesto were - 70g Basil, 2 cloves Garlic, 60g Pine Nuts, 40g Parmesan, 120 ml Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper.

    Tips and tricks to make the best Pesto Pasta

    This recipe pretty straight forward but these tips and tricks will help it come out perfect each time:

    Reserve some of the pasta water

    Reserving some of the pasta water makes for a silky pesto sauce. 

    Salt the pasta water

    Just ask Samin Nosrat. Salting water for pasta is essential.

    Add Spinach at the very end

    If you are adding any additional salad like Spinach, add it at the end so it doesn’t wilt and become mushy.

    Toss Pasta in a bowl

    Toss the pasta and pesto together in a large bowl. Not in a pot and definitely not over heat. Basil doesn't like heat.

    Eat it at room temperature

    It is better to eat this pasta chilled. Re heating it doesn't bode well. I mean you can if you want, but it is better chilled just like they do it in M&S.

    Add some Lemon

    A squeeze of Lemon Juice works really well with any Pesto based dish. Feel free to add that at the end.

    Variations

    Pine Nuts -You can add toasted pine nuts to the finished pasta to bring out their nutty deliciousness.

    Egg - I sometimes add a poached egg over the top..trying not to dribble right now.

    Spinach - You can add other leaves instead such as Rocket.

    Add more Cheese - This Pesto Pasta tasted great with added Cheese such as Pecorino, Mozzarella or Feta.

    other nuts/seeds to use in place of the pine nuts - Walnuts, Pistachios, Almonds, Pecans, Sunflower Seeds or Hemp Seeds.

    Other pasta Shapes - You can use any Pasta you like in this recipe such as Rigatoni, Ziti, Spaghetti, Fusilli. Whatever you like. 

    other greens that you can use instead of basil - Mint, Coriander, Parsley, Kale, Rocket, Spinach, Avocado.

    An alternative Pesto - You can also make a Muhammara style pesto by roasting a red pepper and blending that into the pesto. 

    Make it Vegan - Use Nutritional yeast, in place of the parmesan to make it Vegan.

    Add some Heat - Add a pinch of Red Chilli Flakes

    Add some texture and flavour - Add a sprinkling of Zataar at the end.

    Skip the Pesto - Stir in some Harissa Paste instead.

    Use this Avocado alternative -  I have a lovely Avocado chutney recipe that I sometimes add to Pasta.

    How to serve Pesto Pasta

    Pasta Pesto can be served with a number of sides such as:

    Bruschetta

    Garlic Bread

    A Tomato based Salad

    Chicken

    Prawns

    A big green Salad

    Roast Vegetables 

    Storage for Pesto Pasta

    Pesto Pasta will last in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

    To serve, remove from the fridge 30 minutes before eating. 

    Nutrition Facts
    Marks and Spencer copycat Spinach, Pine Nut and Pesto Pasta Salad
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 370 Calories from Fat 333
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 37g57%
    Saturated Fat 7g44%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 7g
    Monounsaturated Fat 21g
    Cholesterol 14mg5%
    Sodium 1485mg65%
    Potassium 144mg4%
    Carbohydrates 3g1%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 9g18%
    Vitamin A 951IU19%
    Vitamin C 3mg4%
    Calcium 269mg27%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

     

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    1. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

      June 07, 2019 at 7:59 pm

      5 stars
      I am definitely going to be giving your recipe a try, I love the M&S version for lunch!

      Reply
      • Safira says

        October 07, 2019 at 8:26 pm

        OMG isn't it the best. Glad I found a fellow enthusiast. The M&S version isn't actually a pesto version. It is just using the individual elements for the Pesto wishing the Pasta recipe. Both that version and this version are great. I guess with that version, there is even less work required. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Charla says

      August 24, 2019 at 8:18 pm

      5 stars
      I love M&S food. This looks delicious and just what I need right now. Looking forward to making your recipe.

      Reply
      • Safira says

        October 07, 2019 at 8:28 pm

        Me too and who can forget that tag line. Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    3. Catherine says

      October 07, 2019 at 7:16 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds absolutely delicious! I still have some fresh basil in the garden actually. Thank you for the dinner inspiration!

      Reply
      • Safira says

        October 07, 2019 at 8:22 pm

        Yay i hope you enjoy it! It really is the most simple and delicious recipe.

        Reply
    4. Raia Todd says

      October 07, 2019 at 8:26 pm

      5 stars
      Mmm... this looks so delicious. And it sounds pretty easy, too! Thank you for the recipe. 🙂

      Reply
      • Safira says

        October 07, 2019 at 8:27 pm

        Thank you Raia. It is both easy and delicious. Hope you love it.

        Reply
    5. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says

      October 07, 2019 at 11:36 pm

      5 stars
      Oof. I'm at a job that I don't take lunch breaks most of the time because I am too busy, so I can relate.
      This looks so good! Can you believe I have never made pesto before?

      Reply
      • Safira says

        October 08, 2019 at 7:26 am

        Glad you can relate. Hope you get to make pesto real soon. A real flavour punch!

        Reply
    6. Veena Azmanov says

      October 11, 2019 at 3:13 am

      5 stars
      Pesto, awesome, creamy and Nutty. Pasta as a dish with Pesto sounds delicious and surely one of my family favorite Dinner option too.

      Reply
      • Safira says

        October 11, 2019 at 10:26 am

        It is such a great option. x

        Reply

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    hey...I’m safira! I share accessible Global Recipes as well as Baking recipes for home cooks. One of my passions is to teach home cooks to become more confident in the kitchen and this comes with time and experience.

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