Creamy Pasta Verde
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Creamy Pasta Verde. This dish combines rich creaminess with fresh, vibrant vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner. Topped with crunchy garlic brown butter breadcrumbs, it's a must-try for any pasta lover!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Whisk
- Large Pot
- Grater
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound whole wheat linguine
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 10 spears asparagus
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 leeks, trimmed and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 ounces fresh spinach
- 1/2 bunch kale leaves
- 1/2 cup edamame
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 container mascarpone cheese
- 2/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
- 1/3 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water, which helps flavor the whole wheat linguine as it cooks. Prepare the pasta according to package instructions, but be sure to reserve about 2/3 of a cup of the pasta water before draining. This water is liquid gold for your sauce!
- While waiting for the water to boil, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Once hot, toss in the chopped broccoli and asparagus. Season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure the vegetables are coated in oil, and cook until slightly golden and crisp, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, use a large slotted spoon to remove the broccoli and asparagus, placing them aside in a bowl.
- Using the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Add in the sliced leeks and red pepper flakes, stirring well to coat. Cook this mixture until the leeks become soft, about 5 minutes. Don't rush this step; the leeks will develop a sweet flavor as they cook.
- Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Then add the spinach and kale along with the remaining salt and pepper. Toss everything well, cooking until the greens are wilted, which should take about 5 minutes. This is when your kitchen starts to smell incredible!
- While the greens are cooking, take a small saucepan and add the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk constantly as it bubbles. Watch carefully; when the minute brown bits start to form on the bottom, remove it from the heat and continue whisking for another 30 seconds. Let the butter stand for about 2 minutes before adding in the minced garlic and whisking again. Add in the panko breadcrumbs and stir well to coat. Set this mixture aside; it will be your crunchy topping.
- Now, slice the avocado in half. Remove the flesh from one side, placing it in a bowl. Mash the avocado until it’s almost smooth. Once the greens are ready, add 2/3 of the reserved pasta water to the skillet with the spinach and kale mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Add the mascarpone cheese and the mashed avocado to the skillet. Continue stirring until everything is wonderfully melted and creamy. This is where the magic happens; the sauce should be rich and luscious.
- Next, add in the drained pasta, tossing it well to ensure every strand is coated in the creamy sauce. It may look like there’s too much sauce at first, but the pasta will absorb it quickly.
- Carefully mix in the cooked broccoli, asparagus, and edamame. Taste the dish and season with more salt and pepper if desired. This is your opportunity to adjust the flavors to your preference!
- To serve, slice the remaining avocado and place pieces on top of each dish. Finally, sprinkle the garlic brown butter breadcrumbs generously over the pasta. This adds a beautiful, crunchy finish that contrasts with the creamy base.
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover Creamy Pasta Verde can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan with a little extra olive oil to restore creaminess.
- Tip 2: While freezing pasta dishes can be tricky, this one freezes well. Just make sure to keep the breadcrumbs separate until ready to serve.
- Tip 3: This pasta pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Tip 4: Consider adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier dish that’s still packed with flavor.
- Tip 5: If you want an even creamier sauce, feel free to stir in a splash of cream or a bit more mascarpone before serving.