Creamy Verde Orecchiette
"I absolutely love this dish and making it for people! Whenever my mom has to bring something in to work, I immediately know that that means she's putting me to work, and gladly because it's so simple. We're from Miami, so it's always summer- so we get to enjoy this year round, and swap out the vegetables added in. This dish is super refreshing because of the fresh ingredients, its cool nature, the crunch from the broccoli, and the added zing from the vinegar. The small amount of vinegar is the key ingredient that cuts through the flavors of the sauce to add the surprise factor people crave. As a World Language teacher, I get to also sneak in teaching the color green in another language- so I have fun with that too! Queso Fresco is also a great swap for feta as is Greek yogurt for the plain. The first time I made the pasta for my family, I wanted to focus on what we had in the pantry, and there was born my Creamy Verde Orecchiette Pasta- summer ready, versatile, and easy."
Why You'll Love This Recipe
We are absolutely thrilled to share with you why Creamy Verde Orecchiette is such an amazing recipe to make! Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it is also so versatile and customizable to suit everyone's taste preferences. Whether you're a vegetarian or looking to add some protein, this dish can easily be modified to accommodate your dietary needs. The addition of fresh vegetables like broccoli adds a delightful crunch and vibrant color, while the touch of vinegar brings a tangy zing that cuts through the creamy sauce perfectly.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy and quick it is to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or even for impressing guests, this dish can be whipped up in no time with minimal effort. Plus, the fun of teaching the color green in another language adds an educational element to your cooking experience!
Furthermore, the option to swap out ingredients like queso fresco for feta or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative allows for endless creativity in the kitchen. It's a great way to use up ingredients you have on hand and make the dish your own.
So, whether you're from a warm climate like Miami or just looking to enjoy a taste of summer year-round, Creamy Verde Orecchiette Pasta is the perfect recipe for you. Refreshing, versatile, and incredibly easy to make, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Give it a try and see for yourself why we love it so much!
Serves10
Preparation Time20 min
Cooking Time15 min
Recipe CourseSide Dish
Type of DishPasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound Orecchiette pasta
- 1 cup Pesto
- 1 Avocado
- 1 cup Cilantro
- 1 cup Plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 (16-ounce) Spinach
- 2 1/2 cup Broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 Rotisserie chicken
- 3 cup Crumbled feta
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta, according to package directions, until it is al dente. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pasta, and place it in a large container or bowl. Place it in the fridge to cool.
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Verde Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, blend together the pesto, avocado, cilantro, yogurt, vinegar, and 2 tbsp. of the pasta water until smooth.
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While the pasta cools, blanch the spinach in the hot water. Remove with tongs. Place the spinach in a sieve. Use the tongs to press down on the spinach to press out as much liquid as possible. Blanch the broccoli for 1 minute to keep it crisp. Strain. Add both the spinach and broccoli to the container of pasta. Keep it in the fridge.
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Hand shred the chicken.
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Toss everything together- the pasta, spinach, broccoli, verde sauce, shredded chicken, and crumbled feta. Enjoy at the summer potluck.