Festive green pasta! The words alone conjure up images of joyful celebrations and vibrant flavors. This isn’t just pasta; it’s a dish that carries a story, a memory of St. Patrick’s Day feasts shared with family, and the playful spirit of springtime. This festive green pasta is simple, delicious, and sure to bring a smile to your face. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a celebration of green!
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The inspiration comes from Nonna Emilia’s classic spinach pasta recipe, but with a fun, festive twist. As a child, every March 17th, she would make this pasta. This recipe is a tribute to her and a way to bring that same joy to your table.
Why You Will Love This festive green pasta Recipe
This delightful recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds while bringing warmth to your heart. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and incredibly comforting. Plus, its vibrant green hue makes it a showstopper, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion that calls for a touch of fun.
Imagine twirling a forkful of this vibrant pasta, the creamy sauce clinging perfectly to each strand. The taste is a symphony of fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of lemon brightens everything up. It’s a dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
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Ingredients Needed for This festive green pasta Recipe
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound of pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite shape)
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make This festive green pasta Recipe
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the spinach. Wash it thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts down, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Transfer the cooked spinach and garlic mixture to a food processor or blender. Pulse until smooth, creating a vibrant green puree.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the spinach puree to the cream sauce and mix well to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the green sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired. Festive Green Popcorn would be a great follow up to this pasta dish!
How to Serve This festive green pasta Recipe
Serve this vibrant green pasta hot, straight from the skillet, for the best experience. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. A lemon wedge on the side adds a refreshing touch.
Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. It is also amazing served with fresh baked bread sticks. For a complete St. Patrick’s Day celebration, consider serving it alongside Festive Green Desserts.
How to Store This festive green pasta Recipe
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate upon thawing.
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Tips to Make This festive green pasta Recipe
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Don’t overcook the spinach, or it will become bitter.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half and half, but the sauce will be thinner.
- To add some protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta. Looking for extra fun? Try Festive Green Popcorn Mix!
Helpful Notes for This festive green pasta Recipe
Fresh spinach is key to achieving the vibrant green color. Frozen spinach can be used in a pinch, but be sure to squeeze out all the excess water before adding it to the recipe.
For a vegan option, use plant based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Rotini, penne, and farfalle all work well with this sauce.
Variation of This festive green pasta Recipe
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Creamy Pesto Version: Substitute half of the spinach with fresh basil for a vibrant pesto flavor.
- Mushroom Version: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.
How can I make pasta green for St. Patrick’s Day?
You can naturally color pasta green by incorporating spinach, kale, or other green vegetables into the dough or sauce. Alternatively, add a tiny amount of natural food coloring for a more vibrant hue.
What kind of sauce goes well with green pasta?
Pesto sauce is a classic pairing, as it complements the green color and flavors well. Creamy sauces, garlic butter, or even a simple olive oil and Parmesan cheese sauce are also delicious options.
Can I make festive green pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately a day or two in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and combine them when you’re ready to serve. Freshly made pasta is always best, but this helps save time.
Is festive green pasta healthy?
It can easily be a healthy option! By using whole-wheat pasta and incorporating lots of fresh vegetables and lean proteins into your sauce, you can create a nutritious and delicious meal.
Conclusion
This festive green pasta is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration on a plate. With its vibrant color and delicious flavor, it’s sure to bring joy to your table whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a comforting and flavorful dish. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe. Let me know how your festive green pasta turns out!
Festive Green Pasta: Easy St Patrick’s Recipe!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and delicious pasta dish perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion. Fresh spinach and a creamy sauce create a stunning green hue that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (fettuccine or linguine)
- 8 ounces fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
- Sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Puree spinach and garlic mixture in a food processor.
- Melt butter in a skillet, add heavy cream, and simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Add spinach puree to the cream sauce and mix well.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add pasta water if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: festive, green, pasta, St Patrick's Day, spinach