Review of Dinnerly's Spinach Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes
Review Summary
Dinnerly took a simpler "deconstructed" take on pesto with this recipe, and ended up with a pretty tasty meal that you can easily put together in less than 30 minutes.
The biggest short-cut in this "pesto" recipe is actually not making a pesto at all. Typically, you'd pull out the blender and combine ingredients into a smooth sauce - the pesto. In this version, Dinnerly has you using the same ingredients separately added to pasta. Still a tasty option, but if you're expecting a traditional Pesto - this is not it.
I did like the flavors in the dish. The roasted tomatoes provide a slightly sweet, acidic sauce for the pasta, along with the olive oil and parmesan cheese. I love spinach, and slightly wilted, it's great in this dish. I didn't think the chopped almonds had much flavor....but did give the pasta a nice texture component.
Overall, the flavor was good, but not a big bunch like traditional pestos, and probably would have been helped with a bit more parmesan cheese, some red pepper flakes or some other component to add a bit more complexity.
It took me about 25 minutes to cook the recipe (while also filming) so I think you can get it done very quickly. And the directions on the recipe card were clear and easy to follow.
Overall I was happy with dish. It's kid and adult friendly, and would be an easy after-work, home cooked meal. And at just $5 per serving, it's pretty easy on the wallet as well.
Ingredients
The Dinnerly box came packed with ingredients for three recipes. You need to sort out the ingredients by recipe, but that takes about 30 seconds. Everything that came was in good shape and all the fresh ingredients were good quality - as good as I'd get at the grocery store. The finished portion size was reasonable, although I wish I had a bit more parmesan cheese to help boost the flavors.
For the Spinach Pesto with Roasted Tomato recipe, Dinnerly includes the following:
- Plum tomatoes
- Salted almonds
- Garlic
- Parmesan
- Rigatoni
- Baby spinach
As I said above, everything that came was in really good shape. To the shipped ingredients, you'll need to get salt, pepper and olive oil from your own pantry.
Making the dish
The fact that we're not making a traditional pesto, makes this dish really easy and fast to make. There are not a lot of "tricks" you have to be careful of. Use high heat to roast the tomato (hopefully getting some caramelization). Most importantly, just don't over cook the pasta. Start tasting it a minute or two before the directions suggest, just to make sure you take it out al dente.
Dinnerly breaks the cooking down into five steps:
- Prep the ingredients: Here you get a pot of water on the heat for the rigatoni. Dice the tomatoes and garlic. Grate the parmesan cheese, and finely chop the almonds.
- Cook the pasta: Is self-explanatory. You do want to reserve some pasta water before you drain, which you can use to thin the sauce if needed.
- Broil the tomatoes: In this step you season the tomatoes, add some olive oil and get them under the broiler. As they heat, water evaporates, concentrating flavor. And the sugars start to caramelize creating more flavor/complexity. I'd suggest going a bit longer than the directions, and getting the tomatoes pretty well browned.
- Wilt Spinach: You put the spinach, together with the tomatoes and garlic back in the saucepan with the pasta. This is the base of the dish, and in just a few minutes the spinach will wilt down.
- Finish the pasta: Finally, you wrap everything up by adding the parmesan cheese and the almonds. If needed, you can add some reserved pasta water. Most importantly, you need to taste the pasta and add salt and pepper if needed; and they also suggest (and I agree) adding a drizzle of olive oil. These last few steps are really critical to bringing out the flavor in this simple dish.
The directions are simple to follow and there are not many steps. I would have liked a bit more flavor in the dish, and when I make it again, would probably add a bit of fresh lemon juice, some red pepper flakes and a bit more parmesan cheese.
I found the portions where fairly generous and there was plenty of food for two people.
Taste
The flavors on this dish were mild but good. It's a simple dish without a ton of ingredients, so it's really about perfectly cooked pasta, lightly dressed, and well seasoned. You need to make sure the rigatoni doesn't get mushy or soft on you.
I didn't think the almonds added a ton to the dish, other than a bit of a texture component.
I would have a liked to see a little bit more garlic and/or parmesan cheese, both have big flavors and would have added more punch to the dish. If you have the time, and can oven-roast the tomatoes for longer, that would concentrate their flavor and make for a richer finished recipe. Dinnerly could also add some sun dried tomatoes to the kit vs the fresh.
Finally, a bit of acid is a very common trick to add some complexity and flavor to a pasta dish. A light squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end of the cooking would have brightened everything up quite a bit.
Dinnerly's Spinach Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes
Overall
Like everything I have tried (and read about) from Dinnerly, their Spinach Pesto Pasta fits right in the wheelhouse, of simple, un-fussy and fast.
I had this recipe made in less than 30 minutes and with a bit of practice (and no filming) I could probably do it about 20.
Like all simple pasta dishes, it's critical to cook the rigatoni al dente, so don't walk away and forget it. Once put together, I liked the flavor, but did wish for a bit more punch. Fortunately, it's easy to add a bit more flavor with ingredients you probably have on hand. The portion sizes where good.
This is a very family friendly recipe. I think just about anyone's going to like it. And at Dinnerly's price ($5/serving) it's as cheap at fast food.
Give it a try and let me know how it goes. And if you're interested in Dinnerly, just use the link below.
Comments (1702 )
I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information. is healthcare free in China for expats
The Continuum By Hoi Hup Sunway located at Thiam Siew Avenue Hotline 61008187 Get Discounts, Direct Developer Price, Brochure, Floor Plan, Price List.Please Click here and visit our website for more detail.
Dunman Grand By SingHaiyi Group Limited Hotline 61008187 Get Discounts, Direct Developer Price, Brochure, Floor Plan, Price List District 15 luxury condo.Please Click here and visit our website for more detail.
A lot of people having an incorrect image about the cash advance loans or sometimes refer it as bad credit payday loans. تیم حقوقی دادورزان
I am jovial you take pride in what you write. It makes you stand way out from many other writers that can not push high-quality content like you.https://totoguide.net/
Hey, this day is too much good for me, since this time I am reading this enormous informative article here at my home. Thanks a lot for massive hard work.Slot Dana
Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. [url=https://www.youtube.com/@tarotdelamordealicia]mostoles actualidad[/url]
Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. [url=https://www.youtube.com/@tarotdelamordealicia]mostoles actualidad[/url]
Sell Gold based on live Scrap Gold Prices in the Uk Get Cash for Buy gold UK from a Hatton Garden Metals Buyer We buy your unwanted jewellery for cash.Please Click here and visit us in our website for more details.
Sell Rolex London Air King, DateJust, Day Date, Milgauss, Explorer, GMT Master, Yacht Master, Daytona, Sky Dweller, Submariner, Oyster Perpetual.
Welcome to Red Raider Outfitter Texas Tech Gear Store! Home of the Official Wreck Em Tech Game Day Shirt and the best place for Texas Tech Under Armour, Texas Tech Apparel, gifts and more!
Estimate the Value of Your Scrap Gold with the Live Scrap Gold Calculator Get instant cash for your unwanted Scrap Gold Jewellery.Please Click here and visit us in our website for more details.
A life style store for Men and Women that edits collections from fashion forward labels from around the world. Known around Texas for its hyper focus on the curation of cool. You'll find what's next well before it goes mainstream at Chrome Lubbock. Listed by national publications as a store to watch for the direction of fashion. Shoe. Gifts, Men's, Women's Children's, Sunnies and more.
Sell silver using our Live Silver Price Calculator UK based on the Silver Price today Visit us or Contact us and get paid Instant Cash
Sell diamonds 7 days a week in London We provide an online diamond selling price guide Our Gemogolist will value your diamond and pay Instant Cash!Please Click here and visit us in our website for more details.
Calculate the Gold Price UK Per Gram Get the gold rates today using our Gold price calculator 9ct, 18ct 22 and 24 Carrat Gold value in real time.Please Click here and visit us in our website for more details.
We buy Gold Bars Sell Gold Bars in our Hatton Garden Brach or Post your Gold Bars for Instant payouts Price Compare our Gold Bar Prices.Please Click here and visit us in our website for more details.
For over 50 years in Paris, Marche Biron, Szlos French antiques Paris has been importing 19th and early 20th century French antiques furnishings, fine art and decorative items for discriminating antique dealers, interior designers and collectors throughout the world Whether you are looking for a Francois Linke Furniture, Boulle Cabinet, Sormani furniture, Baccarat Chandeliers, 19th French Furnishings, Bronze Sculptures, Pair of sconces, Gueridon, European Paintings, Fine Porcelain Sevres Vase, Meissen, contact us and visit our site French antiques Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Paris.
Hi guys, should a higher than average GPA student do early morning study and is it effective? Just need to know if I am doing the right thing when it comes to focusing on academics.
Learn about What is ACH payment, categories of ACH payments, characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of ACH payments for your business.
We are a fully insured home remodeling company that also performs a variety of jobs, such as,bathroom remodeling, Kitchen remodeling, building out, commercial facilities, building tiny homes, repairing drywall, painting your house, or installing flooring. No matter what job we are assisting you with, we pride ourselves on having the most talented and professional crews in Lubbock and surrounding area.
Wow, this is really interesting reading. I am glad I found this and got to read it. Great job on this content. I like it. NAPSR Certification
Blade servers and rack servers are two excellent equipment options for enterprises Read up on these two server styles today and see how they compare.
Hours TimeLord is the go to time tracker App for individuals and teams who log tasks and billable hours Download our Time Tracking Software app today!
New or used, we buy Dell sell dell servers! Our data erasure process is R2 certified for security and environmental compliance Get a quote today!
Welcome to Red Raider Outfitter Texas Tech Store! Home of the Official Wreck Em Tech Game Day Shirt and the best place for Texas Tech Jersey, Texas Tech Sweatshirt, Texas Tech Under Armour, apparel, gifts and more!
Tom Adams offers FREE in home estimates for all our Window Replacement Whitehall PA, door, and flooring services in Window Installation Whitehall PA Contact us today to get started!
Tom Adams offers FREE in home estimates for all our Window Installation Doylestown PA, door, and flooring services in Window Replacement Doylestown PA Contact us today to get started!
thanks
Tom Adams offers FREE in home estimates for all our <a href="https://tomadamswc.com/locations/doylestown/">Window Installation Doylestown PA</a>, door, and flooring services in Window Replacement Doylestown PA Contact us today to get started!
Looking for where to Sell Graphics Cards online Sell GPU used graphics cards to SMS Assembly! Get an instant offer with best prices from R2 certified experts.
Learn how Nicolas Darvas traded his way to 2M in the stock market while touring full time as a ballet darvas box rules.
Explore about what is mdr and xdr While XDR is a threat detection and response methodology, MDR is more of a security operations arrangement.
i'm a 23 year old grad going into uni in a couple weeks. at the moment, I balancing work and study as a retail supervisor and the work environment is very toxic and humiliating. Did any of you guys do a work and study balance and what was your experience.
Thunderbird Outfitters duck hunting in saskatchewan and Goose Hunting Outfitter in Saskatchewan Canada.
Are you looking for speed, overall performance, and or value when shopping fanless embedded computers See our embedded computers or build a custom quote.
INDEPENDENT dealership floorplanning An experience with Kinetic includes top-notch service, local support, and a collaborative partnership.
Window Replacement Churchville PA: No matter what type of window installation project you need for your home, Tom Adams Windows and Carpets can help. Whether your neds are replacement style installation or new construction installation our Nationally Award recognition gives our customers peace of mind, on installation of all types ofwindows from double-hung,casements, picture, Bows and Bays in aluminum clad, vinyl, or fiberglass. Tom Adams Windows and Carpets can supply and install it all. Tom Adams Windows and Carpets is your premiere window company in Churchville. Ask about our LIFETIME INSTALLATION WARRANTY.
Window Replacement Southampton PA: No matter what type of window installation project you need for your home, Tom Adams Windows and Carpets can help. Whether your needs are replacement style installation or new construction installation our Nationally Award recognition gives our customers peace of mind, on the installation of all types of windows from double-hung casements, picture, Bows and Bays in aluminum clad, vinyl, or fiberglass. Tom Adams Windows and Carpets can supply and install it all. Tom Adams Windows and Carpets is your premiere window company in Churchville. Ask about our LIFETIME INSTALLATION WARRANTY.
excellent write-up, i certainly love this web site, keep on it카지노사이트주소
Compete the great get the job done, As i browse small amount of content articles in this particular websites and even It looks like that your choice of word wide web web log is without a doubt realistic important and allows gotten forums in fabulous tips. Specialty Surface Cleaners
Superslot without waiting for you to get special symbols will use the method by buying free spins Game out on our website spingame888 also offers a service to buy free game spins if you buy spins. Free games, it will increase the way to earn your money faster. Even if your ทดลองเล่นสล็อต888 capital is small, you can play, we encourage everyone to get rich anyway.
Above Bits is a Charlotte web design and app development company Grow your business with leading web development agency in website design charlotte, North Carolina.
Skateboard Hoodie Skater T shirts The Supply Network We provide premium Skateboard hoodies, Skateboard clothing, skateboard tee, outerwear more! Our skateboard streetwear range is 100 ethical and eco friendly! Printed and packed in the UK!
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free.a course in miracles
I’d always want to be update on new content on this website , saved to fav! .صيانة ميكروويف
I went over this website and I conceive you have a lot of great information, saved to fav (:.www.quemador-de-grasa.ovh
very interesting post.this is my first time visit here.i found so mmany interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion..thanks for the post!ทดลองเล่นสล็อตฟรี
Want to find a quality professional paper writer service? We’re a leading academic help service with well-reviewed assignment experts across all disciplines. You can access quality assignment help 24/7/ 365 by following our simple ordering process- submit your instructions, and deadline – and wait. We assure you of a well-researched, zero-mistake, and 100% original research paperswriting.services .Visit us in our website for more details https://paperswriting.services/