Rhody Recipe: Spring Fling Pasta

Spring is such a special time of year, especially when it comes to cooking, with the warmer temperatures inspiring us to ditch the hearty soups and casseroles for all things pretty in the kitchen. This creamy, boldly hued pasta not only takes on a seasonal color palette (and palate!) but also creates an opportunity to think about low-waste and sustainability in the kitchen with Earth Day around the corner. Along with visiting local farmers markets for fresh produce, Wakefield is home to a sustainable grocery shopping haven: South Coast Organics and Bulk Foods. Many of the ingredients for this pasta dish can be found there, including the organic beetroot powder, which provides a lovely pop of pink and bursts of nutrients.

Spring Fling Pasta

Ingredients

• ½ pound pasta of choice (campanelle, or trumpets, pictured)

• ¾ cup cream cheese (or goat cheese)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan, plus more to serve

• 1 tsp beet powder

• 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more to serve

• 1 Tbsp minced garlic

• 1 Tbsp minced onion

• 1 cup pasta cooking water

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ¼ tsp red chili flakes

• Microgreens

• Chopped parsley

Steps

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to direction until al dente. Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water.

2. In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil and lightly saute the garlic, onion, and chili flakes for 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the cream cheese and about half the cup of pasta water, and stir to create a creamy emulsion in the skillet. Add beetroot powder and parmesan cheese. Stir well.

4. Add your pasta to the skillet. Evenly coat the pasta in the sauce; add more cooking water as needed to make the consistency smooth and creamy.

5. Serve immediately with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan, black pepper, and red chili flakes (optional for a little bit of heat) to taste. Garnish with microgreens and parsley.

Jen Tanner is the co-founder of Fern Farm, a microgreens farm and delivery service based in Warwick. Learn more at FernFarm.net

South Coast Organics and Bulk Foods

Bring your own bags and reusable jars to browse organic bulk foods, coffee, tea, herbs and spices that come in low-waste packaging, with zero-waste BYO container options.

223 Robinson Street, Wakefield,
SouthCoastBulkFoods.com