Jamie Oliver’s Quick Green Pasta: A 20-Minute Dinner Favorite
As the sun sets and the hustle of the day winds down, there's a certain magic in the kitchen that beckons you to create something delicious yet uncomplicated. Jamie Oliver, a culinary maestro known for his vibrant and approachable cooking style, has gifted us with a gem of a recipe: Quick Green Pasta. This dish transforms any green vegetables you have on hand into a creamy, cheesy sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is not only a delight to the taste buds but also a nutritious choice that the whole family will love.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Green Pasta?
At its core, Jamie Oliver’s Quick Green Pasta is a celebration of versatility. This dish invites you to raid your fridge and use whatever green veggies are lingering in the crisper drawer. Think leeks, green onions, baby broccoli, broccolini, or spinach—each ingredient adds its unique flavor and texture to the dish. The magic happens when these greens are blended into a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to your favorite pasta, making it a comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on nutrition.
This recipe is a staple in Jamie’s home, and it’s easy to see why. It’s fast (ready in just 20 minutes), flavorful, and loaded with nutrients without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a way to sneak extra veggies into your family’s diet, this pasta dish is a winner.
Tips for Making Jamie Oliver’s Green Pasta
While Jamie’s recipe is straightforward, here are a few handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
1. Choose Your Pasta Wisely
Jamie’s recipe is flexible regarding pasta choice, so feel free to use what you have on hand. However, fusilli corti bucati (curly fusilli) is highly recommended—it’s fun to chew and holds onto the sauce beautifully.
2. Amounts for Easy Substitutions
- Spring onions (also known as green onions or scallions) work best, but regular onions can also be used.
- Use four cups of green veggies—this can include leeks, spinach, or any leafy greens you have.
- 450 grams = 1 pound of pasta, so measure accordingly.
- About ½ cup of Parmesan is ideal—but if you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more!
3. Choosing the Right Vegetables
- If you can’t find tender stem broccoli (broccolini), baby broccoli or regular broccoli works just as well.
- Hold back the broccoli florets—instead of sautéing them with the other vegetables, they get a quick blanch in the pasta water during the last two minutes of cooking so they stay tender but not mushy.
How to Make Jamie Oliver’s Green Pasta
Creating this dish is quick and simple, with only a few easy steps:
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Chop green onions, leeks, or any other chosen veggies. Heat a bit of olive oil in a large Dutch oven and sauté your chopped vegetables with salt and pepper until softened.
- Cook the Pasta and Broccoli: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions. During the last two minutes of cooking, blanch the broccoli florets in the pasta water so they cook just enough to remain tender.
- Blend for a Smoother Sauce (Optional): If you want a smooth sauce, blend the sautéed vegetables with about 1 cup of reserved pasta water. For a chunkier sauce, skip the blending step and mix everything together as-is.
- Combine Sauce, Pasta, and Cheese: Toss the pasta and broccoli with the vegetable sauce. Grate in a generous amount of Parmesan cheese and stir well. Add fresh basil if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Customizable: Use any green veggies you have on hand.
- Tastes like mac and cheese: But is packed with nutrients.
- Perfect for weeknights: A satisfying meal without the fuss.
- Kid-friendly: Especially if you blend the sauce smooth to hide the veggies!
Final Thoughts
Jamie Oliver’s Quick Green Pasta is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, making it a great meal for the whole family. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies, create a creamy pasta dish without needing heavy cream, and sneak in some greens in the most delicious way possible. Whether you keep the sauce chunky or blend it smooth, this dish is guaranteed to be a repeat favorite in your home, just like it is in Jamie Oliver’s.
👉 Want to try it yourself? Get Jamie Oliver’s full recipe here.
