Welcome to this enchanting guide on how to create Disney's Spinach Fettuccine, a dish that combines the goodness of spinach with the scrumptiousness of fettuccine pasta. This vibrant green creation will not only impress your friends but also tantalize their taste buds. And fear not, because we will not forget to sprinkle a touch of pixie dust to add that extra touch of enchantment!
To embark on this culinary adventure of making Disney's Spinach Fettuccine, gather the following ingredients, each contributing its own unique flavor and essence:
- 1 pound of fettuccine pasta, under the Great Value Brand. This high-quality pasta will provide the perfect foundation for our dish, with its long, flat noodles that effortlessly soak up the flavors of the sauce.
- 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves. These vibrant and nutrient-packed leaves will add a burst of color and freshness to our fettuccine, elevating it to a whole new level.
- 1 cup of fresh arugula. These vibrant and nutrient-packed leaves will add a burst of color and freshness to our fettuccine, plus some tang as this is more savory member of the lettuce family.
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced, adding a delightful zing to the dish. The garlic will infuse our sauce with its aromatic and slightly spicy notes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup of olive oil, lending a rich and smooth texture to the pasta. This high-quality oil will coat the fettuccine strands, ensuring each bite is luxuriously velvety.
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, adding a creamy and savory touch. The Parmesan will melt into the sauce, creating a luscious and indulgent coating that will make every forkful irresistible.
- 2/3 cup of fresh basil. For those who prefer convenience, the pre-made basil paste option is perfect. The basil will infuse our dish with its distinct aroma and herbaceous flavor, providing a perfect complement to the spinach and cheese.
- Fresh Mozzarella, enhancing the dish with its gooey and indulgent qualities. The Mozzarella will melt into the warm pasta, creating pockets of cheesy goodness that will delight your taste buds with each bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste, allowing you to customize the seasoning to your preference. These pantry staples will ensure that the flavors of our dish are perfectly balanced and tailored to your liking.
- Optional: Pixie dust (edible glitter) for garnish, adding a touch of whimsy and magic to the final presentation. Sprinkle a pinch of this enchanting dust over the dish just before serving to create a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Now that we have assembled our ingredients, let us delve into the step-by-step process of creating this delightful dish:
1. Begin by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the instructions on the package. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta should be cooked but still possess a slight firmness when bitten. This will ensure a perfect texture that complements the other elements of our dish.
2. While the pasta is cooking, let us prepare the spinach. Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach leaves, ensuring all dirt and impurities are removed. Alternatively, baby spinach can be used for a milder flavor profile. The fresh spinach leaves will provide a burst of color, flavor, and nutrients to our fettuccine.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic into the skillet and sauté it until it becomes fragrant and takes on a beautiful golden hue. This step will release the aromatic oils in the garlic, infusing the oil with its irresistible flavor.
4. Into the skillet, add the fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to cook until they wilt down. This process should only take a couple of minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking throughout. The wilted spinach will add a vibrant green hue and a subtle earthiness to our dish.
5. Once the spinach has cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, transfer it to a blender or food processor, blending until a smooth consistency is achieved. If necessary, you may add a small amount of water to facilitate the blending process. This step will transform the cooked spinach into a velvety sauce that will beautifully coat our fettuccine.
6. Drain the cooked fettuccine pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the blended spinach mixture over the pasta, ensuring all strands are evenly coated. This will ensure that every bite of our fettuccine is infused with the vibrant flavors of spinach.
7. Introduce the grated Parmesan cheese into the pot, gently tossing the pasta to combine all the flavors. The cheese will contribute a luscious and savory element to the dish, creating a creamy and indulgent sauce that will cling to the fettuccine strands.
8. Season the spinach fettuccine with salt and pepper, adjusting the quantities according to your personal taste preferences. This step will allow you to customize the seasoning to your liking, ensuring a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish.
9. For an added touch of magic, consider sprinkling some pixie dust (edible glitter) over the spinach fettuccine as a garnish. This optional step is sure to impress your friends and bring an extra enchanting element to the dish. The shimmering pixie dust will create a visually stunning presentation, making every plate feel like a work of art.
Our Fresh Financials
The key components, such as fettuccine pasta, spinach, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, are typically reasonably priced. Additionally, you can adapt the recipe to suit your budget by opting for store-brand ingredients or taking advantage of sales. Overall, crafting this magical spinach fettuccine should not strain your finances and promises to be a worthwhile investment for a delectable and enchanting meal shared with friends.
Here is a budget-friendly breakdown of the costs to create your very own Magical Spinach Fettuccine:
- 1 pound of fettuccine pasta - $0.98 under the Great Value Brand. This affordable option ensures that you can enjoy a generous serving of our delicious fettuccine without breaking the bank.
- 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves - $1.98 for 10 oz. This cost-effective ingredient provides a nutritious and flavorful addition to our dish, ensuring a healthy and satisfying meal.
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced - $2.16 in a jar. This convenient option saves you time and effort, allowing you to add the perfect amount of garlic flavor to our fettuccine without the need for peeling and mincing fresh cloves.
- 1/4 cup of olive oil - $13.77 per bottle. While this may seem like a higher-priced ingredient, the quality and flavor it adds to our dish are well worth the investment. A little goes a long way, and the smooth and velvety texture it lends to our fettuccine is simply unparalleled.
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese - $2.98. This affordable cheese option brings a rich and creamy element to our dish, beautifully complementing the flavors of spinach and garlic.
- 2/3 cup of fresh basil (pre-made basil paste) - $4.38. While the fresh basil option provides a more vibrant flavor, the pre-made basil paste offers convenience without compromising on taste. Choose whichever option suits your preferences and budget.
- Fresh Mozzarella - $3.97. This indulgent cheese adds a gooey and melty factor to our dish, making each bite irresistibly cheesy and satisfying. - Salt and pepper to taste. These pantry staples are a cost-effective way to season our fettuccine to perfection, ensuring a well-balanced and flavorful meal.
- Optional: Pixie dust (edible glitter) for garnish - $3.16. While this may seem like a splurge, the magical touch it adds to our dish is priceless. Sprinkle a pinch of pixie dust over our spinach fettuccine to create a truly enchanting presentation that will delight both young and young-at-heart.
When considering all the ingredients, the total cost to create this magical dish amounts to $33.68. While it may be slightly pricier than some everyday meals, the result is a healthier and decadent pasta dish that can generously serve at least four princes and princesses. By investing a little more in quality ingredients and adding a touch of magic, you can create a memorable dining experience that will transport you and your loved ones to the enchanting world of Disney.
Our Ratings and Recommendations
I decided to prepare this dish because our friends graciously agreed to watch our son. As a way to show our gratitude, we often cook them dinner instead of providing monetary compensation. On this occasion, I prepared a delightful spinach fettuccine dish accompanied by homemade bruschetta. To top it off, I also brought over a batch of homemade ice cream and I am currently experimenting with making homemade spumoni as well. This recipe was intended to serve myself, my husband, our three friends, and their three children. After indulging in this flavorful meal, both Shayne and I would rate it an 8 out of 10.
The reason for this rating is mainly due to the generous amount and richness of the ingredients used. The combination of basil, spinach, arugula, garlic, and olive oil created a bold and robust flavor profile that could potentially overwhelm the palate.
To balance out the richness, I highly recommend pairing this dish with a vinaigrette-based house salad or enjoying it with some light and refreshing bruschetta. This will provide an offset to the richness and robust flavors of the pasta. I would make this pasta again and I have for other individuals. The spinach, arugula, and basil paste is a wonderful alternative to traditional Alfredo or Marinara sauce.
This would be a perfect opportunity to have a Lady and the Tramp Movie Night and to have this magical dish to create Bella Notte vibes in the air.