Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a burst of fresh flavors? Dive into the delightful world of "Green Pasta with Mint and Dill" – a vibrant Italian dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this refreshing and herbaceous meal that combines the goodness of spinach, mint, and dill for a unique twist on traditional pasta. Perfect for a light lunch or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is not only easy to make but also a feast for the eyes. Ready to discover the secrets behind this green culinary masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta of choice
- 1 cup spinach, blanched
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Measure out 200g of your preferred pasta and set it aside. Rinse 1 cup of fresh spinach under cold water and then blanch it by boiling for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Drain and immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and squeeze out excess water.
- In a food processor, combine the blanched spinach, 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves, and 1/2 cup of fresh dill. Pulse until the herbs and spinach are finely chopped and well combined.
- While you are preparing the herb mixture, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the spinach and herb mixture to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the herb mixture. Toss well to combine, adding a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to ensure even seasoning. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the green pasta warm, garnished with extra mint or dill if desired.
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta works, opt for shapes like fusilli or penne that can hold onto the flavorful herb sauce better.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, always use fresh mint and dill. Dried herbs won't provide the same vibrant taste.
- Don’t Skip the Blanching: Blanching the spinach not only enhances its color but also helps to mellow its flavor, making it more palatable in the dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta cooking water is your secret weapon for creating a silky sauce. Add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish for Presentation: A few extra fresh mint or dill leaves on top can make your dish look restaurant-worthy and add a fresh aroma.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
