Colored pasta
Colorful Pasta with Spinach Puree and Zucchini Sauce
I invite you to discover a delicious and vibrant recipe for colorful pasta with spinach puree, paired with a fresh zucchini and garlic sauce. This recipe is not just a feast for the taste buds but also an explosion of colors on the plate, perfect for impressing family and friends. The total preparation time is about 1 hour, and this recipe will yield around 4 servings. Let's get started!
A Short Story
Colorful pasta was invented out of a desire to bring a touch of creativity to cooking. Using natural ingredients like spinach to color the pasta dough not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the dish but also adds a boost of nutrients. Spinach is known for its rich vitamin content, especially vitamin K, which is essential for bone health.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 1 fresh egg
- 4-5 tablespoons spinach puree (about 100g of fresh spinach)
- Salt, to taste
- Flour, as needed (about 200-300g)
For the sauce:
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 5-6 tablespoons tomato sauce (or pureed fresh tomatoes)
- 1 small zucchini
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Thyme, to taste
- Fresh or dried basil, to preference
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Spinach Puree:
- Start by washing the spinach well under cold running water. Boil it in salted water for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft.
- After boiling, drain the spinach and let it cool slightly. Then, blend it with a blender until you obtain a smooth puree.
2. Preparing the Pasta Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the egg and add the spinach puree. Mix well until combined.
- Gradually start adding flour, mixing with a spatula or by hand, until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. It is important not to add too much flour at once; rather, add it gradually, adjusting the consistency of the dough.
- Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes, then let it rest wrapped in plastic wrap for 20 minutes.
3. Shaping the Pasta:
- After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface into a very thin sheet. Use a rolling pin, being careful not to add too much flour, to avoid weighing down the pasta.
- Cut out desired shapes (squares or other shapes) with a knife or a pasta cutter.
4. Boiling the Pasta:
- Place a large pot of salted water to boil. When the water comes to a boil, add the pasta and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, or until "al dente." Check periodically.
5. Preparing the Sauce:
- Meanwhile, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the sliced garlic cloves and sauté until golden (about 1 minute).
- Peel the zucchini and cut it into small cubes. Add the zucchini to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft.
- Add the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and basil. Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Finishing the Dish:
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet over the zucchini sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes.
Serving
Serve the pasta warm, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese on top and a few fresh basil leaves, if desired. This dish is perfect for a family Sunday meal or for a more special dinner.
Practical Tips
- Vegetarian Option: If you want to make this recipe even healthier, you can replace the tomato sauce with Greek yogurt sauce, adding fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Make-Ahead Pasta: The pasta dough can be prepared in advance, and the pasta can be frozen. Place them on a tray in the freezer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to use them, boil them directly from the freezer.
- Enriching the Sauce: Add some olives or roasted peppers to the sauce for a more intense flavor.
Nutritional Information
- Calories per serving: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of vegetables for the puree?
Yes, you can replace spinach with beetroot or carrots for colorful pasta.
- How long can the pasta be stored?
Fresh pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Frozen pasta can be stored for up to 2 months.
Delicious Combinations
These colorful pasta pair perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a light gin-based cocktail. You can also accompany them with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
This colorful pasta recipe with spinach puree is not only easy to make but also an excellent way to add more vegetables to your diet. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and adapt the recipe to your own preferences. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: Pasta: 1 egg, 4-5 tablespoons of spinach puree, salt, flour. Sauce: 3-4 cloves of garlic, 5-6 tablespoons of tomato sauce, 1 small zucchini, salt, pepper, thyme, basil.
