The Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti is a vibrant, healthy dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. This recipe combines fresh greens with a zesty, creamy sauce to create a delicious pasta dish that’s as good for you as it is tasty. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, satisfying lunch, this super green spaghetti will quickly become a favorite in your household.
What is Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti?
Jamie Oliver’s Super Green Spaghetti is a pasta dish that focuses on fresh, green ingredients like spinach, peas, and basil, blended into a smooth sauce. The result is a brightly colored, nutritious meal that’s full of flavor. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a hearty pasta dish while incorporating more vegetables into your diet.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with leafy greens, this dish is a great way to boost your vegetable intake.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Vibrant and Flavorful: The combination of fresh herbs and greens creates a delicious, zesty flavor.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite greens or add protein like chicken or shrimp.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this colorful and tasty pasta dish.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti
- Spaghetti (400g): Whole wheat or regular, according to your preference.
- Frozen Peas (200g): Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Spinach (200g): Fresh or frozen, packed with nutrients.
- Basil (a large handful): Fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, herby flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (50g): Finely grated, for a rich and creamy texture.
- Lemon (1, zest and juice): Adds a zesty kick to brighten the dish.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Extra virgin, for richness and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the dish to your taste.
- Optional: A small handful of pine nuts or almonds for extra texture and flavor.
Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling the spaghetti.
- Blender or Food Processor: To blend the greens into a smooth sauce.
- Large Frying Pan: For combining the sauce with the pasta.
- Microplane or Zester: For zesting the lemon.
- Tongs: For tossing the pasta in the sauce.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Sauce
- While the spaghetti is cooking, place the peas, spinach, basil, garlic, and half of the Parmesan cheese into a blender or food processor.
- Add the lemon zest and juice, and a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Blend until smooth, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine the Spaghetti and Sauce
- In a large frying pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Pour the green sauce into the pan and warm it gently.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve the Super Green Spaghetti
- Divide the spaghetti among serving plates.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves and, if desired, some toasted pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch.
- Serve immediately, with an extra drizzle of olive oil if you like.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti
- Grilled Chicken: Adds protein and pairs perfectly with the fresh, green flavors of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements the zesty pasta sauce.
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the spaghetti.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus add more vegetables to the meal.
- Crispy Prosciutto: Crumble some crispy prosciutto over the top for a salty, savory contrast.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti
- Use Fresh Greens: Fresh spinach and basil give the sauce a vibrant color and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well before blending.
- Don’t Overcook the Spaghetti: Keep the pasta al dente to ensure it holds up well when tossed in the sauce.
- Blend to the Right Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water; if it’s too thin, blend in more greens or a handful of nuts.
- Zest Before Juicing: Always zest the lemon before juicing it to make the process easier.
- Season Generously: The key to a flavorful sauce is proper seasoning, so don’t skimp on the salt and pepper.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier meal.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
- Vegan Version: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Different Greens: Swap out spinach for kale or Swiss chard to change up the flavor profile.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti
- Refrigerate: Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freeze the Sauce: You can freeze the green sauce separately in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
- Avoid Overcooking When Reheating: To keep the pasta from becoming mushy, reheat gently and avoid overcooking.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti
- Stovetop Reheating: Reheat the spaghetti in a large pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to the pan and stir frequently until heated through.
- Microwave Option: For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Add a small amount of water or olive oil to the dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Avoid Drying Out: To keep the pasta from drying out during reheating, make sure to add a little liquid and reheat slowly.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti Healthier?
- Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular spaghetti for whole wheat or a high-fiber alternative.
- Reduce the Cheese: Cut down on the Parmesan or use a lower-fat version to reduce the calorie content.
- Increase the Greens: Add more spinach or even some kale to pack in more nutrients.
- Olive Oil Substitute: Use a smaller amount of olive oil or substitute with a low-calorie cooking spray to reduce fat.
- Lower Sodium: Opt for a reduced-sodium Parmesan cheese or skip the cheese and use nutritional yeast instead.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach in Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach in Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti. Simply thaw the spinach first and drain any excess water before blending it into the sauce. This will ensure that the sauce maintains a thick, creamy consistency without becoming watery.
How do I make Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti vegan?
To make Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti vegan, replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. You can also use olive oil instead of butter and ensure that any added toppings, like pine nuts, are plant-based.
Can I prepare the green sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the green sauce ahead of time. Blend the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to use, gently reheat the sauce in a pan and add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it if necessary.
What can I substitute for basil in Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti?
If you don’t have basil, you can substitute it with fresh parsley, cilantro, or even arugula for a slightly peppery flavor. These herbs still provide a fresh and vibrant taste that complements the greens in the spaghetti.
Final Words
The Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti is a fresh, vibrant dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it with your favorite additions, this super green spaghetti is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
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Print
Jamie Oliver Super Green Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Super Green Spaghetti is a pasta dish that focuses on fresh, green ingredients like spinach, peas, and basil, blended into a smooth sauce. The result is a brightly colored, nutritious meal that’s full of flavor. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a hearty pasta dish while incorporating more vegetables into your diet.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti (400g): Whole wheat or regular, according to your preference.
- Frozen Peas (200g): Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Spinach (200g): Fresh or frozen, packed with nutrients.
- Basil (a large handful): Fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, herby flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (50g): Finely grated, for a rich and creamy texture.
- Lemon (1, zest and juice): Adds a zesty kick to brighten the dish.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Extra virgin, for richness and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the dish to your taste.
- Optional: A small handful of pine nuts or almonds for extra texture and flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Sauce
- While the spaghetti is cooking, place the peas, spinach, basil, garlic, and half of the Parmesan cheese into a blender or food processor.
- Add the lemon zest and juice, and a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Blend until smooth, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine the Spaghetti and Sauce
- In a large frying pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Pour the green sauce into the pan and warm it gently.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve the Super Green Spaghetti
- Divide the spaghetti among serving plates.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves and, if desired, some toasted pine nuts or almonds for extra crunch.
- Serve immediately, with an extra drizzle of olive oil if you like.
