Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Green St. Patrick’s Day Pasta is a quick and easy way to get festive without a lot of fuss. It’s made with simple ingredients like pasta, food coloring, butter, Parmesan cheese, and broccoli—things you probably already have in your kitchen. The best part? It’s fun! The vibrant green pasta will add some joy to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and it's a great way to get kids excited about food. Plus, it’s not only delicious, it’s nutritious, with the added bonus of broccoli.
Ingredients
- 16 oz dried pasta
- 24 drops of food coloring
- Butter (to taste)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Fill a large pot with water.
- Add food coloring to the water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. You can use fresh broccoli or a steamer bag of frozen broccoli.
- Once the pasta is done, drain it and add butter to taste.
- Stir in the broccoli and Parmesan cheese.
- Mix everything together and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 5
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
Variations
- For a more colorful dish, you can mix in different food coloring shades (like a mix of green and yellow for a unique hue).
- Add some cooked chicken or bacon for a heartier meal.
- For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free butter substitute and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
- Try using a different type of pasta like penne or rotini for a fun twist.
Storage/Reheating
- To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or extra butter to keep the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or bowties.
Do I need to use food coloring?
No, food coloring is optional. If you're making this as a regular pasta dish, skip the food coloring and follow the rest of the recipe.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just steam it according to the package instructions before adding it to the pasta.
How do I make the pasta brighter green?
To achieve a brighter green color, add more food coloring to the boiling water—start with 24 drops and add more if needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the pasta and broccoli ahead of time and store them separately. Combine them with the butter and cheese just before serving.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Green St. Patrick’s Day Pasta is vegetarian, as it contains no meat or animal by-products other than Parmesan cheese.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
Can I use a different cheese besides Parmesan?
Yes, you can use mozzarella or any other cheese you prefer, although it will change the flavor slightly.
What kind of food coloring should I use?
Standard liquid food coloring works best for this recipe. Gel food coloring may be too thick for the pasta.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. The flavor comes from the Parmesan and the buttery pasta, with a mild kick from the broccoli.
Conclusion
This Green St. Patrick’s Day Pasta is a fun and easy way to celebrate the holiday. With its vibrant color, creamy Parmesan, and fresh broccoli, it's not only festive but also delicious and nutritious. Whether you're serving it for a family meal or sending it in a lunchbox, this pasta is sure to bring smiles to your table. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Green St. Patrick’s Day Pasta
Seo Optimized Description: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this easy and vibrant Green St. Patrick's Day Pasta! Coated in creamy Parmesan cheese and paired with nutritious broccoli, this colorful dish is a fun way to add some festive green to your meal. Simple to make with just a few ingredients, it’s a hit for kids and adults alike. Whether you're hosting a St. Paddy’s Day celebration or looking for a fun dinner idea, this pasta is sure to brighten your holiday!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Boiling, Stirring
- Cuisine: American, Irish-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 16 oz dried pasta
- 24 drops of food coloring
- Butter (to taste)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add food coloring to the water. Bring it to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the broccoli. Use fresh broccoli or steam a frozen broccoli bag.
- Once the pasta is done, drain it and add butter to taste.
- Stir in the broccoli and Parmesan cheese.
- Mix everything together and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra color, try mixing different food coloring shades for a unique hue.
- Use dairy-free butter and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes, like penne or rotini, for fun twists.
