Green pasta is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious and flavorful dish that can brighten up any meal. Whether you want to impress guests or simply enjoy a healthy twist on a classic favorite, making green pasta at home is easier than you think. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to make green pasta, from fresh pasta dough infused with greens to creamy green sauces that coat your noodles perfectly.
What Is Green Pasta?
Green pasta can mean two things: pasta dough that is naturally green because it’s mixed with leafy greens, or regular pasta served with a vibrant green sauce made from spinach, basil, or other greens. Both versions offer a beautiful color and a burst of fresh flavor.
How to Make Fresh Green Pasta Dough
If you want to make your own green pasta from scratch, you can add greens directly into the dough. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
– 3 ounces of fresh greens (such as spinach, baby spinach, or ramp greens)
– 2 eggs
– 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
– A pinch of fine sea salt
– A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Greens: Blanch the greens briefly in boiling water, then drain and finely chop or puree them.
- Mix the Dough: Combine the greens with eggs, olive oil, salt, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Knead: Add flour gradually and knead until you get a smooth, elastic dough.
- Rest and Roll: Let the dough rest for 30 minutes, then roll it out and cut into your favorite pasta shapes.
This fresh green pasta dough is tender, flavorful, and packed with nutrients from the greens.
How to Make Green Pasta Sauce
If you prefer to use store-bought pasta but want that fresh green flavor, a creamy green sauce is the way to go. Here’s a quick and easy recipe that takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, rigatoni, or your favorite)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
– 10 ounces baby spinach (or a mix of spinach and basil)
– 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for a few hours or overnight)
– 1/4 cup nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 cup vegetable broth or reserved pasta water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red chili flakes or pine nuts for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Sauté Garlic and Greens: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add spinach and cook until wilted and bright green.
- Blend the Sauce: Transfer the garlic and spinach mixture to a blender. Add soaked cashews, nutritional yeast (or Parmesan), lemon juice, vegetable broth (or pasta water), salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta with the green sauce in the pan over low heat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the noodles evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan, red chili flakes, or pine nuts if desired.
This sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with green goodness, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion dish.
Tips for Making the Best Green Pasta
– Use Fresh Greens: Baby spinach, kale, basil, or even ramp greens work beautifully for a vibrant color and fresh flavor.
– Blanch Greens Briefly: Quickly boiling greens preserves their bright green color and prevents the sauce from turning dull.
– Soak Nuts for Creaminess: Raw cashews or sunflower seeds add a velvety texture to the sauce when soaked and blended.
– Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, giving it a silky finish.
– Experiment with Herbs: Adding basil or parsley can elevate the flavor profile.
– Add Acidity: Lemon juice or a splash of vinegar brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
Variations to Try
– Avocado Green Pasta Sauce: Substitute cashews with ripe avocado for a creamy, dairy-free option.
– White Bean Green Sauce: Blend white beans with greens for extra protein and a smooth texture.
– Green Pesto Pasta: Use classic pesto ingredients like basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil for a nutty, herbaceous sauce.
– Green Pasta with Vegetables: Serve the green sauce over roasted vegetables like cauliflower or potatoes for a hearty meal.
Green pasta is a delightful way to add color, nutrients, and flavor to your meals. Whether you make the dough from scratch or whip up a creamy green sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the vibrant taste of greens in every bite!
Making green pasta is easier than you think, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Happy cooking!