Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with pasta that’s bursting with green goodness! From creamy spinach sauces to zesty pesto twists, there’s a dish here to excite every pasta lover. These recipes are playful, easy to make, and perfect for creating a festive table without breaking the budget. Whether cooking for family or friends, these ideas put a fun, colorful spin on classic pasta meals.
1. Spinach Pesto Penne
Spinach pesto penne is a simple way to get that green punch on your plate. Blend fresh spinach with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan for a smooth, vibrant sauce. Toss it with cooked penne, and sprinkle with pine nuts for texture. For a budget-friendly tip, use leftover spinach or even frozen spinach—you’ll still get that vivid color. Serve immediately for a creamy, fresh bite, or pack for a lunch that looks festive and tastes delightful.
2. Creamy Avocado Linguine
Creamy avocado linguine is silky, rich, and perfectly green. Mash ripe avocados with lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt, then toss with hot linguine. This dish requires no cream, making it light and budget-friendly. Add cherry tomatoes or peas for extra color. It’s a quick, one-bowl meal that feels indulgent without complicated steps. You can also swap linguine for spaghetti or fettuccine, making it versatile for pantry staples.
3. Broccoli and Garlic Rotini
Sauté broccoli with garlic until fragrant, then toss with rotini for a green-packed dish. Add a little olive oil and lemon juice to bring brightness. This recipe is cost-effective—frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh. Sprinkle with grated cheese or crushed red pepper flakes for flavor. It’s a simple pasta that’s quick, healthy, and visually festive for St. Patrick’s Day, with minimal cleanup.
4. Pea and Mint Farfalle
Sweet peas and fresh mint make farfalle shine. Boil peas until tender, then blend lightly with mint and olive oil for a bright sauce. Toss the sauce with farfalle and season with salt and pepper. Budget-friendly tip: frozen peas are perfect. This dish looks elegant yet is quick enough for weeknight meals. Garnish with grated cheese or a sprinkle of lemon zest to make the flavors pop.
5. Kale and Lemon Spaghetti
Kale and lemon spaghetti brings a fresh, green twist to your plate. Sauté chopped kale with garlic, toss with hot spaghetti, and finish with lemon juice. Toasted breadcrumbs add crunch without extra cost. This is a light, refreshing option for St. Patrick’s Day. Use store-bought spaghetti or any pasta you have at home. It’s simple, bright, and keeps prep minimal while still feeling festive.
6. Zucchini Ribbon Fettuccine
Zucchini ribbons mixed with fettuccine create a visually striking plate. Use a vegetable peeler to make thin zucchini strips and sauté lightly. Toss with cooked pasta and a drizzle of olive oil. Add herbs like basil or parsley for flavor. This recipe stretches ingredients economically—you can combine a few zucchinis with pantry pasta for a large portion. Serve hot for a soft, tender bite with pops of green.
7. Green Goddess Mac and Cheese
Give traditional mac and cheese a green makeover by blending cooked spinach into the cheese sauce. Mix with elbow macaroni for a playful dish kids will enjoy. This recipe uses everyday ingredients: milk, cheese, and frozen spinach. Bake briefly for a golden top or serve straight from the stovetop. It’s fun, festive, and budget-friendly, proving you don’t need fancy items to make a green pasta everyone will love.
8. Pesto Tortellini Salad
Tortellini salad with pesto is perfect for parties. Cook tortellini, toss with basil pesto, and add veggies like peas or chopped spinach. Chill before serving for a refreshing meal. You can use store-bought pesto or make a simple one at home to save money. It’s easy to make in bulk and still looks festive. Ideal for St. Patrick’s Day gatherings where pasta needs to be green, tasty, and shareable.
9. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser. Mix ricotta with chopped spinach, stuff into cooked shells, and bake with a light tomato sauce. This recipe is surprisingly budget-friendly—you can use frozen spinach and basic ricotta. It’s hands-on, but the results are visually impressive and festive. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. Leftovers store well, making it practical for St. Patrick’s Day prep.
10. Spinach Fettuccine Alfredo
Spinach fettuccine in creamy Alfredo sauce turns a classic into a green delight. Use store-bought or homemade spinach pasta. Lightly simmer the pasta with butter and cream, then stir in Parmesan for richness. Budget tip: skip cream and use milk thickened with a small roux—still creamy and delicious. Add peas or broccoli for extra texture. It’s a quick, indulgent meal with a seasonal green flair.
11. Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
Lasagna roll-ups are fun and green. Spread spinach-ricotta filling over lasagna sheets, roll, and bake. This recipe makes a few servings, perfect for a small gathering. Frozen spinach works fine and keeps costs low. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan. The rolls look festive, are easy to plate individually, and make a hearty St. Patrick’s Day meal without much fuss.
12. Green Goddess Ravioli
Ravioli can be green too! Stuff store-bought pasta with a spinach-ricotta filling. Top with melted butter or herb oil. It’s easier than it seems—use a knife and fork for filling if you don’t have a ravioli mold. Serve with a light salad. This approach is budget-friendly and festive, with pasta and filling ingredients you likely already have. Perfect for an elegant yet simple St. Patrick’s Day dinner.
13. Pea and Spinach Orzo
Orzo cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with peas and spinach. Toss with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for a light, green meal. Frozen greens keep costs low. Garnish with Parmesan for extra flavor. This pasta is perfect for a quick weekday dinner or as a side dish during St. Patrick’s Day lunch. Easy, fast, and satisfying, with vibrant color in every bite.
14. Zoodle Primavera
Zoodles make a healthy, green twist on pasta. Sauté with other vegetables and a pinch of garlic. You can make this for under $10 using zucchini and whatever green veggies are in season. Toss with olive oil and lemon juice, or a simple green sauce. This recipe is light, fresh, and visually striking, perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day without heavy cream or cheese.
15. Avocado Pesto Spaghetti
Avocado pesto is a creamy, bright green sauce. Blend avocado with basil, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Toss with spaghetti and top with nuts for crunch. Using pantry staples keeps it cheap. Serve warm or cold. It’s a unique, healthy, and visually striking pasta that’s perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day centerpiece. Simple, fast, and loved by all ages.
16. Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Bake
Combine cooked pasta with spinach, artichokes, and light cream or yogurt. Bake until golden. Frozen spinach and canned artichokes make this budget-friendly. The bake is hearty, green, and comforting, ideal for a festive St. Patrick’s Day meal. Serve directly from the casserole dish—easy, minimal cleanup, and tasty.
17. Green Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad goes green with spinach and peas. Toss with a simple vinaigrette or mayo for creamy texture. Use cooked macaroni and frozen vegetables for an affordable recipe. Chill before serving. Perfect for potlucks or lunch, this salad is colorful, fresh, and easy to make in bulk.
18. Spinach and Lemon Penne
A light lemon sauce makes spinach penne bright and zesty. Sauté garlic, toss with cooked penne and spinach, finish with lemon zest. Add olive oil for richness. Quick, fresh, and easy on the wallet. Serve as a side or main dish for St. Patrick’s Day. Minimal ingredients, maximum green appeal.
19. Basil and Spinach Capellini
Capellini with basil-spinach sauce is delicate and visually stunning. Blend fresh basil, spinach, garlic, and olive oil. Toss with cooked capellini. Budget-friendly tip: frozen spinach works perfectly. Garnish with nuts or cheese for texture. Fast to prepare, light, and festive for St. Patrick’s Day. Perfect for a simple, elegant dinner.
20. Spinach and Zucchini Lasagna
Swap noodles with zucchini and layer with spinach and ricotta for a green lasagna. Bake until bubbly and golden. Frozen spinach keeps this affordable. Perfect for a main dish that looks impressive but is easy to make. Great for family meals or festive gatherings.
21. Green Chili Pasta
Spice things up with mild green chili sauce. Blend chilies with garlic and olive oil, toss with penne, and finish with fresh cilantro. Budget-friendly and full of flavor. This pasta adds a punchy green twist for St. Patrick’s Day without complicated ingredients.
22. Pesto Gnocchi
Gnocchi is light and pillowy. Toss with homemade or store-bought pesto. Add peas or spinach for extra green. Quick and cost-effective. Perfect for a festive, playful St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Serve hot for a comforting, cheesy bite.
23. Spinach and Herb Angel Hair
Angel hair pasta with spinach and herbs is simple, green, and elegant. Sauté spinach with garlic, mix in fresh herbs, toss with pasta. Budget-friendly and fast. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Perfect for a light yet festive St. Patrick’s Day dinner.
Conclusion
These 23 green-themed pasta recipes bring fun, flavor, and festivity to your St. Patrick’s Day table. From creamy sauces to light veggie tosses, each recipe is practical, affordable, and easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and bright presentation, you can make your celebration memorable and delicious. Grab your favorite green ingredients, pick a recipe, and get cooking for a vibrant, festive feast that everyone will enjoy.
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