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creamy spinach pasta sauce

Creamy Spinach Pasta Sauce that Makes Weeknight Dinners Shine

This creamy spinach pasta sauce elevates weeknight meals with rich flavors and vibrant greens, promising a deliciously satisfying dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 8 ounces fresh spinach substitute with kale if preferred
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion or shallots for a milder flavor
  • 3 cloves garlic adjust amount to taste
  • 1 cup fresh basil substitute with fresh oregano
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley swap with cilantro for a twist
  • 1/4 cup pistachios or walnuts/pine nuts as alternatives
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice or lime juice
  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese or ricotta for a lighter option
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino as an alternative
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces tagliatelle or pappardelle/fettuccine
  • 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water for sauce consistency
Seasonings
  • to taste salt use kosher for better salinity control
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • Blender
  • medium skillet
  • Large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add fresh spinach and blanch for 30 seconds until vibrant green; immediately transfer to an ice bath then drain well.
  2. In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and sauté for 10 to 12 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
  3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add tagliatelle. Cook until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  4. In a blender, combine the blanched spinach, fresh basil, parsley, pistachios, and lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Blend until finely minced, then add the sautéed onions, garlic, and mascarpone cheese. Blend until smooth, incorporating half the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
  5. In the large pot, return cooked tagliatelle and pour in the creamy spinach pasta sauce. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
  6. Divide the pasta into bowls, garnishing with remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano and fresh basil. Drizzle olive oil on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.

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