Green Pasta is creamy, colorful, and full of fresh flavor—thanks to a vibrant sauce made with spinach, cashews, and simple ingredients. It’s an easy, nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Why We Love This Green Pasta Recipe
What makes this green pasta truly special? For starters, it’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up. Using just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only visually appealing but also packed with life-boosting nutrients. The natural flavors of garlic, spinach, and lemon juice combine seamlessly with your choice of pasta, resulting in a meal that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Besides being a feast for the eyes, this pasta dish is also a nutritional powerhouse. Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, and raw cashews add a creamy texture along with healthy fats. If you’re looking for a meatless yet satisfying meal, this green pasta will not disappoint. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for pasta lovers and health enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients for Green Pasta
To create this delicious green pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 10 ounces of baby spinach
- 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup of raw cashews
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup of vegetable broth or water
The balance of these ingredients ensures a delightful blend of flavors. You’ll notice how the nutritional yeast adds a cheesy element, while the lemon juice elevates the freshness of the dish.
How to Make Green Pasta
Making green pasta is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these steps to create your flavorful dish:
Begin by boiling your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked to perfection, drain it and set it aside.
While your pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Let it warm briefly before adding the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about a minute until it becomes fragrant, but be sure not to burn it.
Next, add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Stir continuously to ensure the spinach wilts evenly, transforming into a brilliant green hue. This should take just a few minutes.
Once the spinach has wilted, transfer the garlic and spinach mixture to a high-speed blender. Add in the nutritional yeast, salt, raw cashews, fresh lemon juice, and vegetable broth. Blend everything together until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Now, return the drained pasta to your skillet (or a large pot if preferred). Pour the green sauce over the pasta, ensuring that every strand is covered in that velvety goodness. Toss gently to mix, and make sure the pasta is well-coated.
Serve your green pasta warm. If you’d like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top, or add a dash of red chili flakes or chopped pine nuts for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.
With these steps, you’ll have a beautiful plate of green pasta ready to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Green Pasta
As you serve your green pasta, consider pairing it with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out your meal. The vibrant color and aroma of the dish make it visually appealing, so take a moment to appreciate it before diving in. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy weeknight meal, green pasta is great for impressing your guests with its rich flavors and healthful ingredients.
You might also want to get creative with your presentation. Consider garnishing the pasta with freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley. A sprinkle of pine nuts or toasted seeds can add an appealing crunch, accentuating the creamy texture of the sauce. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red chili flakes can elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
Expert Tips: Green Pasta
To ensure your green pasta is nothing short of perfection, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the Right Pasta: While spaghetti is a popular choice, feel free to experiment with other pasta types, such as penne or fusilli. Choose a pasta that can hold the sauce well.
- Blend Thoroughly: Ensure that you blend the sauce until it is completely smooth. A high-speed blender works best, as it can create a creamy texture that’s essential for this dish.
- Taste as You Go: When seasoning your sauce with salt, start with a little and adjust according to your taste preferences. Nutritional yeast has a naturally cheesy flavor, so consider that in your seasoning.
- Customize Your Greens: While spinach is the star here, you can also mix in other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition.
- Storage: Leftover green pasta can be refrigerated for up to three days. If reheating, consider adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
By following these tips, you’ll enhance your green pasta experience, ensuring it’s both delicious and satisfying.
How to Store Green Pasta
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be hard to believe given how tasty this dish is!), storing your green pasta correctly will help maintain its freshness. Allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to keep the pasta moist. Stir frequently until heated through. This method helps retain the dreamy consistency of the green sauce while preventing it from becoming too thick.
Variation of Green Pasta
The beauty of green pasta lies in its versatility. If you’re looking to make it your own, consider these delicious variations:
- Add Protein: Boost the nutritional value by including chickpeas or tofu in the recipe. Lightly sauté them before adding them to your pasta for a heartier meal.
- Incorporate Other Vegetables: For extra texture, add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. They not only complement the dish but also add color and flavor.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve the finished dish with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Adding fresh basil or oregano enhances the aroma and brings a garden-fresh flavor to your green pasta.
- Nut-Free Version: If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the cashews with sunflower seeds or silken tofu for creaminess without the nuts.
These variations allow you to adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs, ensuring that your green pasta remains an exciting choice every time you make it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Pasta
What is the primary flavor of green pasta?
The primary flavor of green pasta comes from the combination of fresh spinach, garlic, and lemon juice. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, while the cashews contribute creaminess.
Can I make green pasta vegan?
Absolutely! This green pasta recipe is naturally vegan, thanks to the use of plant-based ingredients. If you need a vegan option to add creaminess, just stick to the cashews and skip any cheese toppings.
How can I make green pasta gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out regular pasta for a gluten-free variety made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas.
Can I freeze green pasta?
Yes, you can freeze green pasta. However, keep in mind that the sauce may change in texture upon reheating. Store it in an airtight container, and it should be good for up to a month.
How long does green pasta take to make?
This green pasta dish is quick and easy to prepare, taking approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Green Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces baby spinach
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast Adds a cheesy flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Adds freshness
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by boiling your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s cooked to perfection, drain it and set it aside.
- While your pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Let it warm briefly before adding the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about a minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts, which should take a few minutes.
- Transfer the garlic and spinach mixture to a blender. Add nutritional yeast, salt, raw cashews, fresh lemon juice, and vegetable broth. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Return the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour the green sauce over the pasta, and toss gently to coat.
- Serve your green pasta warm, garnished with grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of red chili flakes or pine nuts if desired.