Pasta Verde
A vibrant, creamy pasta dish featuring spinach, ricotta, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon, perfect for a quick, wholesome vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- your favorite cooked pasta ⓘ
- olive oil ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 cups chopped raw spinach ⓘ
- 8 oz ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- grated Parmesan ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add chopped raw spinach, cover, and cook until wilted but still green.
- Puree the cooked spinach mixture with ricotta cheese, lemon juice, basil, parsley, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt.
- Toss the pureed mixture with cooked pasta.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan and toasted nuts before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of pasta water when tossing the pureed mixture with the cooked pasta. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute dried herbs, but use them sparingly as they are more potent. This recipe is versatile; try adding cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein or incorporating other greens like kale for variation. For a different flavor, you might also try a dollop of Best Pesto.
Serving Suggestions
This Pasta Verde pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as a simple arugula and cherry tomato salad, to balance the richness. A glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish well. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish. A sprinkle of toasted nuts on top adds a delightful crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist. You can also microwave, covering it to retain moisture, and stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Verde contains roughly 983 calories, with 29g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (128% of the Daily Value), and calcium (116% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1317mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used in this recipe, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. The flavor will remain similar, but fresh spinach provides a brighter taste and texture. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as frozen spinach takes less time to wilt.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ricotta cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cheese or tofu blended with nutritional yeast and lemon juice. This will maintain the creamy texture while keeping the dish vegan. Just ensure your pasta is also dairy-free if that's a concern.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the garlic and onions. You could also serve with a spicy arugula salad on the side for an extra kick. Experiment with different chili peppers in the pureed mixture for varying levels of spice.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).