Description
Green St. Patrick’s Day Vegetarian Pasta is a vibrant, health-conscious dish packed with fresh greens like spinach, kale, and basil. The creamy green sauce is a blend of plant-based ingredients, making this pasta both delicious and nutritious. It’s the perfect way to add a festive touch to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
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12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
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1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup kale (fresh or frozen)
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1/2 cup basil (fresh)
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1/4 cup cashews or sunflower seeds (for creaminess)
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp pepper
For the Green Sauce:
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1 cup water or vegetable broth
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1/2 cup nutritional yeast (optional for a cheesy flavor)
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Blanch the spinach and kale in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then cool quickly in ice water.
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Blend the spinach, kale, basil, cashews, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a blender or food processor, adding water or vegetable broth as needed until smooth and creamy.
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Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning. For a creamier sauce, add more nuts or seeds. For a tangier sauce, add apple cider vinegar.
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Toss the cooked pasta with the green sauce until well coated.
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Serve with fresh herbs or toasted nuts for garnish.
Notes
Add vegetables like peas, broccoli, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
For a spicier version, add chili flakes to the sauce.
It can be made gluten-free with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling, Blending
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, Italian-inspired