Delightful Herby Green Pasta Recipe: Creamy Sauce and Crunchy Crumb

Introduction:

Elevate your pasta experience with our tantalizing herby green pasta recipe, a delightful blend of fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. This dish offers a perfect marriage of creamy sauce and crunchy crumb topping, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving for more. Bursting with nutritious goodness from cavolo nero, olive oil, pecorino cheese, and garlic, this recipe not only satisfies your palate but also nourishes your body. Whether you’re a pasta aficionado or simply looking for a nutritious meal option, this herby green pasta is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the joy of cooking and indulging in this delectable dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 bunches cavolo nero, thick stems removed, leaves roughly torn
• 500g dried rigatoni pasta
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/2 cup (40g) finely grated pecorino, plus extra to serve

Lemon and Cavolo Nero Pangrattato:

• 60g unsalted butter
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 150g day-old sourdough breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes
• Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 bunch cavolo nero, thick stems removed, leaves torn into 3cm pieces

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lemon Pangrattato:
   • Heat butter and garlic in a large frypan over medium heat.
   • Add breadcrumbs and chilli flakes, stirring for 1-2 minutes until coated.
   • Cook for 6-8 minutes until crispy and golden. Season with salt and toss with lemon zest. Set aside.
2. Cook the Cavolo Nero:
   • Reheat pan over high heat. Add one-third of the oil and one-third of the cavolo nero leaves.
   • Cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy. Repeat twice more with remaining oil and cavolo nero. Toss cavolo nero with pangrattato. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Pasta:
   • Blanch cavolo nero for 30 seconds, then refresh in cold water.
   • Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted water for 7-8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup (125ml) cooking water. Return pasta to pan and cover to keep warm.
4. Make the Sauce:
   • Drain blanched cavolo nero and place in a blender with oil, garlic, pecorino, and reserved pasta water. Whiz until chunky pesto consistency. Season with salt.
5. Combine and Serve:
   • Toss pasta with the sauce until coated. Sprinkle with lemon pangrattato and extra pecorino to serve.

Variations and Toppings:

Customize your herby green pasta with these delicious variations, offering a range of flavors and textures to suit your preferences and elevate your dining experience.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness and sweetness, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Roasted Pine Nuts: Elevate texture and flavor with crunchy pine nuts, packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals.
• Grilled Chicken: Boost protein and flavor by adding seasoned grilled chicken slices, perfect for a hearty meal option.
• Fresh Herbs: Enhance herbal notes with basil, parsley, or mint, adding freshness and aroma to each bite.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan for a savory kick, complementing the earthy cavolo nero and pecorino cheese.
• Toasted Bread Crumbs: Enjoy crispy texture with toasted bread crumbs seasoned with garlic and herbs, adding depth to your pasta dish.

Nutritional Information:

This herby green pasta dish offers a nutritious and wholesome meal option, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

• Cavolo Nero: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, cavolo nero provides antioxidant properties and supports overall immune health.
• Olive Oil: The use of extra virgin olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, known for their heart-protective benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Pecorino Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein, pecorino cheese contributes to bone health and muscle function.
• Garlic: With its immune-boosting properties and potential cardiovascular benefits, garlic enhances both flavor and health benefits.
• Pasta: While providing carbohydrates for energy, whole grain pasta offers fiber for digestive health and sustained satiety.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures with this irresistible herby green pasta recipe. With its creamy sauce, crunchy crumb topping, and nutritious ingredients, it’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner or served at a special gathering, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Elevate your culinary repertoire and savor the freshness of cavolo nero, the richness of pecorino cheese, and the wholesomeness of olive oil in every mouthful. Try it today and embark on a journey of culinary delight and nourishment.