Green Goodness Pasta

I made this initially to be served alongside a parmesan-crusted cod that I wasn’t confident would turn out and I can usually rely on a good-ol’ spaghetti pasta-based recipe to do me right!

This simple (and quick) pasta is super yummy and, tho crafted as a side dish, is a great dish for a meal in its own right, too.

And… it’s perfect for getting crafty with toppings:

• diced tomatoes
• steamed broccoli
• mushrooms (you will NEVER see me do this, but I hear others like them)
• chicken breast
• fresh basil leaves
• crushed red pepper (YUM!)
• grilled salmon
• Pan-Seared Shrimp
• chopped Roasted Zucchini

TIPS: To make it vegetarian, sub out the chicken broth for vegetable broth or stock.

Green Goodness Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 10 oz fresh spinach leaves
• 4 oz full-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 3 tsp minced garlic (about 3 large cloves)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Fill a large stock about 1/2 way w/ water.
2. Bring to a boil on high heat on stovetop then add 1 lb spaghetti, slowly pushing pasta down into water as it gets bendy.
3. Cook on medium-high heat until at your desired tenderness, stirring occasionally.
4. While spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat on stovetop.
5. Add 1 Tbsp EVOO and heat.
6. Add 3 tsp garlic and sauté for 30 secs.
7. Add 10 oz spinach – in batches – stirring constantly, and sauté until all spinach is wilted.
8. Transfer wilted 10 oz spinach to food processor.
9. Add to food processor: 4 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup broth, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
10. Purée in food processor until well blended into a sauce.
11. When spaghetti is done cooking, drain, then return to stock pot.
12. Pour sauce over spaghetti, then stir until well combined.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories	344
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16.2g	21%
Saturated Fat 8.5g	42%
Cholesterol 81mg	27%
Sodium 267mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate 33.3g	12%
Dietary Fiber 0.8g	3%
Total Sugars 0.2g
Protein 14.1g
Vitamin D 0mcg	0%
Calcium 191mg	15%
Iron 3mg	18%
Potassium 304mg	6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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