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Creamy Spinach Pasta Sauce

Creamy Spinach Pasta Sauce for the Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Creamy Spinach Pasta Sauce is a quick and nutritious choice for weeknight dinners, packed with flavor and goodness.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach Can substitute with kale.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can use avocado oil.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Shallots or leeks can be substitutes.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Can use garlic paste or powder.
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Oregano can be used for a different flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Cilantro can serve as a substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Pistachios Can swap with pine nuts or walnuts.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Lime juice can also work.
  • 1 cup Mascarpone Cheese Ricotta serves as a lighter alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano Nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Tagliatelle Pappardelle or fettuccine are alternatives.
  • 1 cup Pasta Cooking Water Reserve some before draining.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Spinach Pasta Sauce
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh spinach and blanch for 30 seconds until it wilts and brightens. Transfer to an ice bath, cool, drain, and squeeze excess water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped yellow onion for 10-12 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Bring fresh salted water to a boil in the same pot. Add tagliatelle, cooking according to package instructions (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
  4. In a blender, combine blanched spinach, basil, parsley, pistachios, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, then gradually add olive oil, mascarpone cheese, sautéed onion, and garlic, blending until creamy. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
  5. Return drained pasta to the pot, pour creamy spinach sauce over, and toss gently to coat. Adjust thickness with remaining pasta water if necessary.
  6. Serve pasta in bowls, garnished with additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of pasta water to restore texture.

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