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Green Pasta with Spinach Lemon Parmesan Sauce and Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipe


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4 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant, creamy green pasta dish featuring a smooth spinach sauce blended with sour cream and Parmesan, complemented by crunchy lemon and garlic toasted breadcrumbs. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe offers a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy pasta with a nutritious twist.


Ingredients

Pasta

  • 14 oz dried pasta

Spinach Sauce

  • 5 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon

Lemon Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping

  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon, grated
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated


Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the dried pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the spinach sauce: While the pasta is cooking, combine the fresh spinach, sour cream, finely grated Parmesan, salt, garlic powder, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
  3. Make the lemon Parmesan breadcrumbs: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breadcrumbs, grated lemon zest, and garlic powder. Toast for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
  4. Finish the breadcrumb topping: Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the toasted breadcrumbs to a bowl. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to combine.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the freshly cooked pasta with the prepared spinach sauce until evenly coated.
  6. Serve: Plate the sauced pasta and generously sprinkle the lemon Parmesan breadcrumbs on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful contrast of creamy sauce and crunchy topping.

Notes

  • Note 1: Use your preferred pasta type such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
  • Note 2: Fresh spinach provides the best flavor and texture for the sauce.
  • Note 4: Parmesan cheese should be finely grated for easy blending and topping.
  • Note 5: Garlic powder enhances the flavor but can be adjusted to taste.
  • Note 13: Sour cream adds creaminess; crème fraîche can be substituted if preferred.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian