Ah, St. Patrick’s Day! It’s that magical time of year when everything turns green and festive, and what better way to celebrate than with a vibrant green pasta dish? This green St. Patrick’s Day pasta is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a delicious meal bursting with flavor and nutrition. I remember the first time I made this dish for a gathering of friends—we laughed, shared stories, and enjoyed every last bite. The bright green color made it so fun and festive, and I felt like a culinary rockstar! You can whip it up in no time, and it’s perfect whether you’re having a big celebration or just want to add a little cheer to your weeknight dinner. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this delightful dish!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful green St. Patrick’s Day pasta! Each ingredient brings its own magic to the table.
- 8 oz green pasta: You can use any green pasta you find, like spinach fettuccine or basil penne. It truly sets the festive mood!
- 2 cups spinach: Cooked until just tender; fresh or frozen works perfectly here.
- 1 cup peas: Frozen peas are best for this recipe—they add a sweet pop of flavor and color!
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce: Store-bought or homemade, this is where the flavor really shines. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top adds a savory finish, but don’t be shy—add more if you love it!
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, and don’t forget to taste as you go!
How to Prepare the Green St Patricks Day Pasta
Getting this green St. Patrick’s Day pasta ready is super simple and loads of fun! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a vibrant dish that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, let’s cook that green pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this is key for flavor. Add the 8 oz of green pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it al dente, so don’t forget to taste it a minute or two before the timer goes off. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside for a moment. It’s important not to rinse the pasta, as the starch helps the sauce cling beautifully!
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, let’s get those veggies ready! In a separate pot, add a splash of water and toss in the 2 cups of spinach and 1 cup of frozen peas. Cook them over medium heat until the spinach is wilted and the peas are tender—this should take about 3-4 minutes. They’ll turn vibrant green, making your kitchen smell fantastic!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add in the cooked spinach and peas, followed by 1/2 cup of pesto, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that luscious green sauce. This is where the magic happens, so don’t be shy—mix it well!
Step 4: Serve
Finally, serve this delightful dish hot! I love to garnish it with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra kick of flavor. Trust me, this dish not only looks festive but tastes incredible too! Enjoy every bite and watch your friends and family light up with joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: The vibrant green color makes it a showstopper for any St. Patrick’s Day celebration!
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this dish up in no time—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a delicious option for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
- Flavorful and Nutritious: Spinach, peas, and pesto create a mouthwatering combination that’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the pesto or add other veggies according to your preferences!
Tips for Success
To ensure your green St. Patrick’s Day pasta turns out perfectly, here are my top tips! First, don’t overcook the pasta—aim for that delightful al dente texture, which really holds up when mixed with the sauce. If you want an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix! And remember, if you’re serving this dish later, you can always toss in a splash of olive oil to keep it from sticking. Finally, feel free to get creative—add in your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it truly your own!
Nutritional Information
This green St. Patrick’s Day pasta is not only festive but also packed with nutrition! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this vibrant green St. Patrick’s Day pasta? I’ve got answers! One common question is, “Can I use regular pasta instead of green pasta?” Absolutely! While green pasta adds a fun festive touch, any pasta you love will work just fine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Another question I hear often is, “Can I make this dish ahead of time?” Yes, you can! Just prepare the pasta and veggies, then toss them with the pesto right before serving. It’s great for meal prep!
If you’re wondering, “What can I serve with this pasta?” I recommend a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. And remember, if you want to add protein, grilled chicken or shrimp would complement it beautifully. Enjoy making this delicious dish—your friends and family will be impressed!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers of this delightful green St. Patrick’s Day pasta, you’re in for a treat! To store, simply transfer any uneaten pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and keep it nice and moist. You can also microwave it, but stir it every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Trust me, it tastes just as good the next day, making it a perfect meal prep option!
Serving Suggestions
This green St. Patrick’s Day pasta is so versatile, and I love pairing it with a few simple sides that really complement its vibrant flavors! A fresh, crisp side salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette is a perfect match—think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and maybe a sprinkle of feta cheese for that extra tang. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it alongside some warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious pesto sauce. And for a heartier option, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp on top of the pasta adds protein and makes it a complete meal. Enjoy every colorful bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Green St Patrick’s Day Pasta: 5 Simple Steps to Festivity
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive green pasta dish perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
Ingredients
- 8 oz green pasta
- 2 cups spinach, cooked
- 1 cup peas, frozen
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the green pasta according to package instructions.
- In a separate pot, cook the spinach and peas until tender.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Add spinach, peas, pesto, salt, and pepper to the pasta.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- Adjust the amount of pesto to taste.
- This dish can be served cold as a pasta salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: green st patricks day pasta