Go Green!

With your pasta, that is. Happy Friday! And Happy Holidays! I adore this time of year, all the running around, getting gifts, wrapping and hiding things from the boys. It's the best. It also leaves little time for dinner at home, UNLESS you pull a "quickie" out of your back pocket - like this recipe for spinach fettuccine. It's super fast and boasts tons of flavor with just 5 ingredients. The spinach adds great flavor to the pasta and a splash of color to the plate, as do the bright green peas. Wait! I just thought of this - add fresh red bell peppers and you've got a colorful, holiday-themed dinner in a snap! The parmesan cheese would be the sprinkling of snow....

Spinach Fettuccine with Peas, Butter and Parmesan

Serves 4

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

12 ounces spinach fettuccine

1 cup frozen green peas, keep frozen until ready to use

1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions, adding the peas for the last 30 seconds of cooking.  Drain and set aside. 

Meanwhile, combine the broth and butter in a large saucepan.  Set the pan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.  Simmer for 3 minutes, until the butter melts.  Add the cooked fettuccine and Parmesan and cook for 1 minute, until the cheese starts to melt (the cheese doesn’t need to melt completely).  Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Nutrients per serving: Calories: 400, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 34mg, Carbohydrate: 52g, Protein: 16g, Fiber: 4g, Sodium: 471mg