Saucy Green Pasta with Calabrian Breadcrumbs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the freshness of kale, spinach, and herbs with the creaminess of ricotta and Parmesan, creating a sauce that’s both savory and slightly tangy. The addition of Calabrian chili paste to the breadcrumbs gives the dish a subtle heat that perfectly complements the richness of the pasta. The crispy breadcrumbs offer an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth sauce. It’s a comforting, satisfying, and balanced dish that will leave everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

For the Calabrian Breadcrumbs:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste (from a jar)

For the Green Sauce and Pasta:

• 1 bunch lacinato kale, deribbed and roughly chopped
• 10 oz baby spinach
• ½ cup roughly chopped chives
• ½ cup packed basil leaves
• ½ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 16 oz rigatoni or other short tubular pasta
• ½ cup pasta water, or low-sodium veggie or chicken broth if making ahead
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
• ½ cup dry white wine

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Calabrian Breadcrumbs:

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the panko breadcrumbs to the skillet and stir them frequently, toasting them for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
3. Stir in the Calabrian chili paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the paste and the chili flavor is infused. Set the breadcrumbs aside.

For the Green Sauce and Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. In a large pot or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the kale, spinach, chives, basil, and parsley to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-6 minutes, until the greens are wilted and softened.
5. Transfer the greens and garlic mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the ricotta, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding the reserved pasta water (or broth) a little at a time until you reach a creamy sauce consistency.
6. Pour the green sauce back into the skillet over low heat. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
7. Pour in the white wine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine and let the sauce thicken slightly.
8. Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with the Calabrian breadcrumbs for crunch and extra flavor.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20-25 minutes, making it a relatively quick and easy pasta dish to prepare.

Variations

• Add Protein: For added protein, try topping the pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp.
• Spicy Version: If you love spice, add more Calabrian chili paste to the breadcrumbs or even incorporate some into the green sauce for an extra kick.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the ricotta with vegan ricotta or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to make the dish vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. The Calabrian breadcrumbs will lose some of their crispiness when stored, so you may want to toast a fresh batch before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can substitute the rigatoni with any short pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or cavatelli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta shape.

2. What can I use if I can’t find Calabrian chili paste?

If you can’t find Calabrian chili paste, you can use any chili paste or hot sauce you like, such as Sriracha, harissa, or even a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the quantity to taste.

3. Can I make the breadcrumbs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Calabrian breadcrumbs ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

4. Can I freeze the green sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the green sauce! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

5. Can I substitute the ricotta in the sauce?

Yes, if you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or even cream cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor.

6. Is the green sauce spicy?

The green sauce itself is not very spicy, but the Calabrian chili paste in the breadcrumbs adds a touch of heat. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of chili paste in the breadcrumbs.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free (or make your own using gluten-free bread).

8. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian as long as you use vegetarian Parmesan cheese. If you need a vegan version, be sure to substitute the cheese for vegan alternatives.

9. Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! You can add other greens like arugula, swiss chard, or even zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.

10. How do I make the sauce thinner or thicker?

To adjust the consistency of the sauce, add more pasta water or broth if you want it thinner, or let it cook a little longer to thicken.

Conclusion

Saucy Green Pasta with Calabrian Breadcrumbs is a deliciously unique pasta dish that combines the richness of a creamy green sauce with the spicy kick of Calabrian chili paste. The crispy, flavorful breadcrumbs add a delightful texture contrast to the smooth and vibrant sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special gathering, offering fresh, comforting flavors with a bit of heat. You’ll love the combination of creamy, savory, and spicy notes in every bite!

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