Ah, St. Patrick’s Day! It’s not just a time for parades and green beer; it’s also a celebration of delicious food! One of my favorite ways to bring a festive flair to this day is with my green St. Patrick’s Day pasta. Picture it: a vibrant, emerald dish that’s not only a feast for the eyes but also packed with flavor. I remember the first time I whipped this up for my friends—everyone was so amazed at how pretty it looked, and the taste blew them away! The fresh herbs blend into a creamy sauce that clings to the spaghetti, making every bite a delight. Trust me, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any St. Patrick’s gathering, and you’ll feel like a culinary magician when you serve it! So, let’s get cooking and make something magical this year!

Ingredients for Green St Patrick’s Day Pasta

8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
2 cups fresh spinach (packed tightly)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (washed and dried)
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (stems removed)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin for the best flavor)
2 cloves garlic (minced finely for that aromatic kick)
Salt to taste (I usually go for about 1/2 teaspoon)
Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is the way to go!)

How to Prepare Green St Patrick’s Day Pasta

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add your spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite!
While the pasta is cooking, grab your blender! Toss in the fresh spinach, basil, parsley, grated parmesan, olive oil, and minced garlic. Blend until everything is smooth and vibrant—this green sauce is where the magic happens! It should take about a minute, but don’t be shy; give it a little taste to see if you want more seasoning.
Once your pasta is perfectly cooked, drain it well but don’t rinse it—this helps the sauce stick! Return the hot spaghetti to the pot.
Now, pour that gorgeous green sauce over the pasta and give it a good toss, making sure every strand is coated in that herbal goodness.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it warm and watch everyone marvel at your festive creation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s quick and easy to make—perfect for those busy St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!
Packed with fresh herbs, this dish is not only vibrant but also brimming with nutrients.
The creamy green sauce clings to the pasta, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
It’s a delightful, festive centerpiece that’ll impress your guests and brighten up your table.
Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone at the gathering.

Tips for Success

To really nail this green St. Patrick’s Day pasta, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, when blending your sauce, make sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything gets mixed in nicely. If it feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up—it’ll help the sauce cling better! For seasoning, don’t hold back—taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. And if you want to switch things up, try adding some cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or even toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of flavor! Enjoy the process and have fun with it!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so consider this a general guide! For each serving of this green St. Patrick’s Day pasta, you can expect around 350 calories, with 12 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal while celebrating, while also being packed with vitamins from those fresh greens!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before blending. It’ll save you time and still give you that vibrant green color!

What if I don’t have a blender?
No worries! You can finely chop the herbs and mix them with the other ingredients by hand. It’ll take a bit longer, but you’ll still get a delicious result. Just make sure to really mince the garlic for that lovely flavor!

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
You can! Just cook the pasta and make the green sauce separately. Combine them right before serving to keep the pasta from getting soggy. It’s a great way to get a head start on your St. Patrick’s Day festivities!

How can I make this pasta gluten-free?
Simply swap out the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta! There are so many delicious options available now, and the sauce will still taste amazing with any of them.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of olive oil or pasta water to bring back that creamy texture!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to pairing with my green St. Patrick’s Day pasta, the sky’s the limit! A light, zesty arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a fantastic complement, bringing a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy pasta. If you’re in the mood for some bread, a warm, crusty sourdough or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For those looking to add some protein, grilled chicken or shrimp tossed in a bit of olive oil and lemon would elevate the dish beautifully. And don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top before serving—it’s a lovely finishing touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store any leftovers of your green St. Patrick’s Day pasta, simply transfer it to 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, reheating is a breeze! Just place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of pasta water to help revive that creamy texture. Stir gently until warmed through, being careful not to overcook it. And voilà, you’ll be back to savoring that delicious, vibrant dish in no time!

Green St Patrick’s Day Pasta: 5 Ways to Wow Your Guests

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling and Blending
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive green pasta dish perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz spaghetti
2 cups spinach, fresh
1/2 cup basil, fresh
1/4 cup parsley, fresh
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
While pasta cooks, blend spinach, basil, parsley, parmesan, olive oil, and garlic in a blender until smooth.
Drain pasta and return to pot.
Mix in the green sauce with the pasta.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve warm.

Notes

Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Garnish with extra parmesan and herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: green st patricks day pasta, festive pasta, St. Patrick's Day recipes

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