On those long, warm summer nights, when my whole family is gathered at my house, the kids are all chasing bubbles and dogs through my back yard, my sisters and I are laughing endlessly over glasses of wine, I can’t think of serving anything better than a light and bright Spinach Pasta dish. In the realm of homemade pasta, few things evoke the freshness and vibrancy of Spinach Pasta Dough. With its verdant hue and delicate flavor, spinach pasta dough adds a touch of elegance to any dish it graces. On this page, I’ll introduce you to the wonders of Spinach Pasta Dough, from its simple preparation to a few tantalizing recipe ideas that will delight your taste buds.
The Essence of Spinach Pasta Dough:
Spinach Pasta Dough is a celebration of both flavor and color. By incorporating fresh spinach into the dough, we infuse it with a subtle earthiness and a vibrant green hue that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Not only does Spinach Pasta Dough elevate the taste of your dishes, but it also adds a nutritious boost. So for all the other mamas out there trying to sneak some veggies into your kiddos meals, this is a fun way to pack spinach into their diets!
Making Spinach Pasta Dough:
Creating Spinach Pasta Dough is a straightforward process that requires just a few simple ingredients: flour, eggs, salt, and, of course, spinach. Start by blanching fresh spinach until just wilted, then quickly cool it off to preserve its vibrant color. Once cooled, squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach before pureeing it into a smooth paste.
Next, combine the spinach puree with flour and eggs to form a cohesive dough. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, then let it rest to allow the gluten to relax. From there, the possibilities are endless—you can roll out the dough and cut it into your desired shape, whether it’s fettuccine, ravioli, or tortellini. The pasta-bilities are endless!
Delicious Inspiration:
- Spinach Fettuccine with Lemon Cream Sauce: Cook freshly made spinach fettuccine until al dente, then toss it with a luxurious sauce made from cream, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese. The bright acidity of the lemon pairs perfectly with the earthy notes of the spinach, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Ravioli: Fill delicate squares of spinach pasta dough with a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and sautéed garlic and spinach. Serve with a simple tomato sauce or a drizzle of sage-infused brown butter for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress.
- Spinach Tortellini in Broth: Stuff small squares of spinach pasta dough with a savory mixture of ground meat, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, then shape them into delicate tortellini. Serve the tortellini in a flavorful broth, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a comforting and nourishing dish.
- Spinach Fehttuchini in a Pomodoro Sauce: In the pictures below, I tossed freshly made Spinach Pasta Dough fettuccine into a Pomodoro Sauce. I simmered ripe tomatoes from my garden with garlic, shallot, basil, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper until it melded into a thick and aromatic and sauce. I topped it with more fresh basil from my garden and Parmesan cheese. We ate it with grilled red snapper.
Spinach Pasta Dough is a testament to the beauty and versatility of homemade pasta. With its vibrant color and delicate flavor, it adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Whether you’re crafting classic dishes or experimenting with new flavors, Spinach Pasta Dough is sure to elevate your culinary creations to new heights. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of Spinach Pasta Dough transport you to a world of culinary delight. Buon appetito!
Spinach Pasta Dough
4
servings1
hour15
minutes3
minutes273
kcalIngredients
6 Ounces Fresh Spinach
2 Cups All Purpose Flour
2 Large Eggs
Pinch of Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach: Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the spinach to the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it is just wilted and bright green.
- Drain the spinach in a colander and rinse it under cold water. Gently squeeze the spinach to get rid of as much extra moisture as you can.
- Add the spinach to a mixing bowl (I used my kitchenaid mixer, but you can also use a food processor or do this by hand), then add the flour, eggs, and kosher salt. Mix on low/medium speed with the paddle attachment until a dough starts to form. If the dough is too wet, add more flour, a little at a time until it is smooth. If the dough is too dry and crumbly, add water, a teaspoon at a time, until it is smooth.
- Switch your paddle attachment for the dough hook and let the dough hook knead the dough on a low speed for 5 minutes, or until the dough is soft and elastic. If you aren’t using a mixer with a dough hook, you can do this part by hand, kneading the dough on a lightly floured surface until soft and elastic.
- Form into a ball and cover with a damp cloth or wrap in plastic. Allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Divide dough into four equal pieces. Work with one at a time and keep the others covered.
- Roll out the dough into using a pasta machine and cut with a cutter or shape by hand. You can also form into walnut size balls and pass through an extruder.
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and let boil until cooked through, 2-3 minutes.
- Use a spider strainer and add directly into your sauce. You can also drain in a colander if your sauce isn’t ready.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- Depending on where you live, the time of year, and the weather, your dough may turn out more or less dry. If your dough is crumby, add water, a teaspoon at a time until it becomes smooth. If your dough is sticky, add flour.
- In step 2, you could also add the spinach to an ice bath after blanching. I prefer to rinse my spinach because I find it makes less of a mess than trying to get the spinach into an ice bath. But the ice bath method is probably the quicker (and more professional) way to cool shock the spinach!