Description
A vibrant pasta dish featuring luscious spinach sauce, crisp asparagus, and sweet peas. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fettuccine (or your preferred pasta)
- Salt (for boiling water)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated; substitute with nutritional yeast for vegan)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 bunch green asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 tbsp pine nuts or slivered almonds (toasted)
- Extra Parmesan or lemon zest (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Blend the Creamy Spinach Sauce: Transfer the sautéed spinach and garlic mixture into a blender. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), salt, pepper, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy, then return the sauce to the skillet to warm over low heat.
- Cook the Vegetables: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus for 2 minutes, then add the peas and cook for an additional minute. Drain the vegetables and add them to the skillet with the sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Finally, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly. Garnish with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use fresh spinach and asparagus for optimal flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta, green goddess, spinach sauce, vegetarian, quick dinner, healthy meal