Pasta with Green Onion and Garlic Sauce

Pasta with green onion and garlic sauce is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings together the aromatic flavors of fresh green onions and garlic in a smooth, rich sauce. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate simple yet bold flavors, with a touch of freshness from the green onions and the comforting depth of garlic. The green sauce gives the pasta a vibrant color, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Best of all, this recipe is quick and easy, ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner when you’re short on time.

Ingredients

For 2-3 servings, you will need:

• 300 g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 1 bunch of green onions (about 5-6 stalks), chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter (optional for extra creaminess)
• 50 ml vegetable broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until it’s al dente (firm but not too soft). Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later use (about 50 ml).

2. Prepare the Green Onion and Garlic Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, begin preparing the green onion and garlic sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and garlic to the pan, and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can quickly become bitter.

Once the green onions and garlic are soft, pour in the vegetable broth or water to deglaze the pan. This will help create a smooth, slightly creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

3. Blend the Sauce

To give the sauce a smooth, velvety texture, transfer the sautéed green onions and garlic mixture to a blender or use a hand blender directly in the pan. Blend until the sauce is smooth, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

If you prefer a chunkier sauce, you can skip this step and leave the sautéed green onions as they are for a more rustic texture.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Return the blended green onion and garlic sauce to the skillet over low heat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing the noodles gently to coat them evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.

For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at this stage. This will give the sauce a silky texture and enhance the flavor.

5. Season and Garnish

Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Once it’s perfectly seasoned, remove the skillet from the heat.

Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing each plate with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild herbal note, while the Parmesan adds a savory touch.

Tips and Variations

While this recipe is simple and delicious on its own, there are several ways you can enhance it or adjust it to suit your taste preferences:

1. Add Protein

For a more filling meal, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu to this dish. Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp pair wonderfully with the green onion and garlic flavors, adding protein without overwhelming the delicate sauce.

2. Use Different Types of Onions

If you don’t have green onions on hand, you can substitute them with other types of onions, such as shallots, leeks, or sweet onions. Each will bring its unique flavor to the dish, creating slight variations in the sauce’s taste.

3. Creamier Sauce

For those who prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the sauce after blending it. This will give the pasta a rich, creamy texture, making it even more indulgent.

4. Spice It Up

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and green onion mixture while sautéing. The spicy kick pairs well with the garlic and adds another dimension of flavor to the dish.

5. Add Vegetables

For a more balanced meal, you can toss in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. These vegetables not only complement the green onion and garlic sauce but also add color and texture to the dish.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, you can store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water or broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.

This dish is also freezer-friendly, although the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing. If freezing, place the pasta in an airtight container and store for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Pasta with green onion and garlic sauce is a perfect choice when you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful meal. The vibrant green sauce is a wonderful change from the traditional red or cream sauces often served with pasta. It’s packed with the fresh, aromatic flavors of green onions and garlic, making it both comforting and refreshing.

This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it by adding proteins, vegetables, or a little spice. It’s quick to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients, yet it delivers a sophisticated and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests, this pasta dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness!