~ Spring Fling with Veggie Pasta: Taste the Season’s Best ~

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ho said pasta is only for winter? We’re here to prove them wrong and show you how to have a pasta party all year round! Spring pasta dishes are perfect for those looking to lighten up and use the freshest seasonal produce. But let’s be real, sometimes we don’t have access to all those veggies, and that’s where frozen options come in clutch. Don’t believe us? Frozen veggies and meats can still bring flavor and nutrition to your plate – they’re like the superheroes of the freezer aisle!

At Heartland Foods, we’ve got you covered with a variety of frozen-fresh veggies that will add that pop of color and flavor to your spring pasta dishes. Carrots, peas, green beans, corn, and spinach are all perfect for creating a delicious medley of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more. These crunchy and sweet veggies add a refreshing element to your pasta, making it the perfect dish for warmer weather.

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ho said pasta is only for winter? We’re here to prove them wrong and show you how to have a pasta party all year round! Spring pasta dishes are perfect for those looking to lighten up and use the freshest seasonal produce. But let’s be real, sometimes we don’t have access to all those veggies, and that’s where frozen options come in clutch. Don’t believe us? Frozen veggies and meats can still bring flavor and nutrition to your plate – they’re like the superheroes of the freezer aisle!

At Heartland Foods, we’ve got you covered with a variety of frozen-fresh veggies that will add that pop of color and flavor to your spring pasta dishes. Carrots, peas, green beans, corn, and spinach are all perfect for creating a delicious medley of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for more. These crunchy and sweet veggies add a refreshing element to your pasta, making it the perfect dish for warmer weather.

But we can’t forget about the fresh herbs! Basil, parsley, chives, and mint are all abundant during spring and can take your pasta game to the next level. These aromatic and colorful herbs add a burst of freshness to your dish and make it a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Not only are spring pasta dishes delicious, but they’re also a fantastic way to incorporate healthy and wholesome ingredients into your diet. Frozen-fresh vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are crucial for overall health and well-being. So not only will you be enjoying a tasty meal, but you’ll also be fueling your body with the nutrients it needs.

Spring is all about embracing the freshness and flavors of the season, and what better way to do that than with a comforting bowl of pasta? We’ve even created two recipes to help you use those frozen-fresh veggies from Heartland Foods and create a pasta masterpiece. So go ahead, grab your favorite pasta, toss it with fresh spring ingredients, and get ready to savor the taste of spring on your plate!

Celebrate the bountiful spring harvest with a showcase of all kinds of fresh veg in a comforting bowl of pasta. We have created two recipes to help you lighten up and enjoy your frozen-fresh veggies from Heartland Foods.

~ Easy Pea & Spinach Carbonara Recipe ~

Fresh pasta cooks up faster than dried, making it a must-have for fast weeknight dinners like this luscious yet healthy meal. Eggs are the base of the creamy sauce. They don’t get fully cooked, so use pasteurized-in-the-shell eggs if you prefer.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 8 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 (9 ounce) package fresh tagliatelle or linguine
  • 8 cups Cascadian Farm Organic Spinach
  • 1 cup Cascadian Farm Organic Peas

Instructions:

  1. Put 10 cups of water in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until toasted, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons Parmesan and parsley. Set aside.
  3. Whisk the remaining 6 tablespoons Parmesan, egg yolks, egg, pepper and salt in a medium bowl.
  4. Cook pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Add spinach and peas and cook until the pasta is tender, about 1 minute more. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Drain and place in a large bowl.
  5. Slowly whisk the reserved cooking water into the egg mixture. Gradually add the mixture to the pasta, tossing with tongs to combine. Serve topped with the reserved breadcrumb mixture.

Homemade Spinach Pasta ~

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup packed Cascadian Farm spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • Water, as needed

Instructions:

  1. In a blender or food processor, puree the blanched spinach leaves with a little water until smooth.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spinach puree, flour, eggs, and salt. Mix well.
  3. If the dough is too dry, add water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
  4. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  6. After resting, roll out the dough using a rolling pin or a pasta machine to your desired thickness.
  7. Cut the dough into your preferred shape.
  8. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes or until al dente.
  9. Drain the pasta and toss with your favorite sauce and toppings. Enjoy!

*Note: Cooking times may vary, so be sure to taste the pasta as it cooks to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness. Homemade pasta is a labor of love, so take your time and enjoy the process of making your own delicious pasta from scratch!

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