I remember the first time I stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s Super Green Spaghetti recipe. It was one of those days where I was craving something light, yet hearty. I wanted to eat something green, full of veggies but didn’t want to give up on flavor. My eyes landed on this recipe and I knew it was what I needed.
If you’re like me and love vibrant, fresh dishes that feel good and taste even better, Jamie Oliver’s Super Green Spaghetti will quickly become one of your go-to meals. Packed with greens, pasta, and a fresh lemony bite, it’s a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor.
Jamie Oliver’s Super Green Spaghetti Recipe
This recipe is all about taking fresh ingredients, like spinach, peas, and zucchini, and turning them into a colorful pasta dish that’s not only tasty but bursting with health benefits. What makes it even better is that it’s super simple, and you don’t need to be a chef to pull it off. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy, but you could make it after a busy day, and still impress.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spaghetti: You can go for any type you like-whole wheat, gluten-free, or regular.
- Zucchini: Grated or sliced thin, it brings a mild, fresh flavor.
- Spinach: You’ll want a good handful of fresh spinach-don’t skip this, it adds that beautiful green color.
- Peas: Frozen peas work perfectly here-no need for fresh, unless you’ve got them on hand.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves, smashed or minced, for that aromatic base.
- Lemon: Zest and juice, for a pop of brightness.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and making everything come together.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated for that cheesy finish.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Super Green Spaghetti
I remember making this recipe for the first time on a weekend afternoon, when I had a few hours to kill and didn’t want to overcomplicate things. It was a breeze to put together:
- Cook the pasta: Start by boiling the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to salt the water-it makes a difference!
- Prepare the veggies: While the pasta cooks, heat some olive oil in a large pan. Toss in the garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Add your zucchini and spinach, then cook until softened.
- Add peas and lemon: Toss in the peas next, and squeeze in the lemon juice. Add the zest too! It’ll brighten up the whole dish.
- Mix it all together: Once the pasta’s done, drain it (but keep a bit of pasta water). Add the pasta to your veggie pan and mix it all together. The pasta water helps everything come together.
- Serve: Grate the parmesan over the top and give it a final squeeze of lemon. Done!
It’s quick, satisfying, and feels like a special treat every time.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
One of the things I love most about Jamie’s Super Green Spaghetti is how the ingredients work together on a deeper level. Let’s break it down:
- Spinach: Packed with iron, magnesium, and vitamins A and C, spinach is great for skin health, boosting immunity, and supporting bone health. The iron helps with energy levels-so you’re not just filling up, but also nourishing your body.
- Zucchini: This veggie is low in calories but full of water and fiber, making it perfect for digestion. It’s also rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which helps to combat free radicals in the body.
- Peas: These tiny green powerhouses are packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins like A, K, and B. They can help with muscle repair and energy, making this meal a great post-workout option.
- Lemon: Besides brightening up the flavor, lemon is high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and keeps your skin glowing.
Expert Tips
To get the most out of Jamie Oliver’s Super Green Spaghetti, here are a few pro tips:
- Don’t overcook the veggies: You want them to retain their color and a bit of crunch. Overcooking can dull the flavor and texture.
- Use good-quality olive oil: It really makes a difference, especially since it’s used to sauté the veggies.
- Grate your cheese fresh: Pre-grated cheese can lack flavor and texture. Freshly grated parmesan will melt better and add more depth.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or even a bit of ricotta. It adds richness without overwhelming the fresh flavors.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few variations you can try to mix things up:
- Add protein: Throw in some grilled chicken or prawns if you want to add some protein to the mix.
- Swap the pasta: Try it with a gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb version.
- Add herbs: Fresh basil, mint, or even parsley can add a lovely freshness to the dish.
- Go vegan: Skip the parmesan and use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy, umami flavor.
- Spicy version: Toss in a pinch of chili flakes when sautéing the garlic for a bit of heat.
Final Words
After making this dish a few times, I realized it’s the kind of meal that grows on you. The flavor is so clean and fresh, yet so satisfying. I’ve also noticed it’s a great way to sneak in a lot of greens-without it feeling like a ’healthy’ meal that you’re forcing yourself to eat. Every bite feels indulgent.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Super Green Spaghetti So Healthy?
It’s packed with greens like spinach, peas, and broccoli, making it a nutrient-rich, fiber-filled dish.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Super Green Spaghetti Vegetarian?
Yes, just leave out any meat or substitute with plant-based options like tofu or tempeh.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Super Green Spaghetti?
It takes about 20-30 minutes, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal.