introduction
This One Pot Green Pasta is quick, fresh, and easy. You cook pasta with spinach and basil in one pot. It saves time and uses few dishes. For a hearty meal, try it with a simple rotisserie chicken from rotisserie chicken ideas.
why make this recipe
Make this when you want a fast, green meal with good flavor. It uses fresh herbs and few ingredients. It is light but filling. You can make it on a busy weeknight or for lunch. If you like trying quick pasta dishes, also see this simple pasta idea for another easy night.
how to make One Pot Green Pasta
Ingredients :
12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti), 3 cups fresh spinach, 1 cup fresh basil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 cups vegetable broth, ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional), 2 tbsp lemon juice, Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add spinach and basil, cook until wilted.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Add dry pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Blend a portion of the greens and broth, then stir back into the pot.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil.
how to serve One Pot Green Pasta
Serve hot in bowls. Add extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil. Top with a few whole basil leaves. For protein, add cooked chicken or beans. You can pair it with a light salad or crusty bread. For more ways to add meat, read ideas about using rotisserie items.
how to store One Pot Green Pasta
Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make One Pot Green Pasta
- Use fresh spinach and basil for best color and flavor.
- Stir often so pasta cooks evenly and does not stick.
- Blend only a portion of greens for texture; blend more for a smooth sauce.
- Taste and add salt slowly, as broth can be salty.
- If you like cream, stir in a little cream or cream cheese at the end.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
- Use kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different taste.
- Swap Parmesan for a vegan cheese to make it dairy-free.
- Add peas or asparagus for more veggies.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes. Add frozen spinach earlier and cook until fully thawed and mixed.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Penne or spaghetti both work. Use what you like. Thicker pasta may need a little more broth.
Q: Can I skip the blender step?
A: Yes. The dish will be more chunky but still tasty. Blending makes it creamier.
Q: Is this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, with vegetable broth and no meat it is vegetarian. Use plant-based cheese to make it vegan.
Q: How do I make it less green for kids?
A: Blend the greens more until the sauce is smooth and mild in color.
Conclusion
If you want another very green, creamy take on one-pot pasta, check this version: The Creamiest Greenest One-Pot Pasta — Green Kitchen Stories.
Print
One Pot Green Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick, fresh, and easy one pot pasta dish made with spinach and basil.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add spinach and basil, cook until wilted.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Add dry pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Blend a portion of the greens and broth, then stir back into the pot.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
Use fresh spinach and basil for best color and flavor. Stir often to ensure even cooking. Blend portion of greens for texture. Add cream for extra richness if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pasta, one pot, vegetarian, green pasta, easy dinner