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20-Minute Green Pasta with Spinach Sauce Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

A quick and vibrant 20-minute green pasta recipe featuring a creamy spinach and tofu sauce blended with fresh basil, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. This nutritious pasta dish is silky, flavorful, and perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Green Sauce

  • 4 cups spinach
  • ¼ cup fresh basil (optional)
  • 1 (16-ounce) block soft silken tofu
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Pasta

  • 1 pound pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
  • ¼ – ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water

To Serve (Optional)

  • Grated parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast)
  • Black pepper (or crushed red pepper flakes)

Instructions

  1. Boil the water. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil to prepare for cooking the pasta.
  2. Prepare the green sauce. While waiting for the water to boil, add spinach, basil, tofu, lemon juice, parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a blender. Blend on high for about 30 seconds, pausing to scrape down the sides with a spatula as necessary until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed, then set the sauce aside.
  3. Cook the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water by ladling it out into a measuring cup. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  4. Toss pasta with sauce. Pour the green sauce over the cooked pasta along with ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Gently toss the pasta until it’s evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more pasta cooking water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Serve and garnish. Plate the pasta and serve with additional grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, and sprinkle black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes if desired for extra flavor.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
  • Silken tofu provides creaminess without adding dairy or excess fat.
  • You can substitute spinach with kale for a different flavor and texture.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency and helping the sauce adhere to the pasta.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/20-minute-green-pasta-with-spinach-sauce-recipe/