Green Herb Pasta with Mussels

Ingredients

For the Mussels

• 1 kg (2.2 lb) fresh mussels, cleaned and debearded

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ cup white wine (optional)

• Salt & black pepper

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

For the Green Pasta Sauce

• 250 g (9 oz) spaghetti

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves

• 1 cup fresh parsley

• ½ cup spinach leaves

• 1 garlic clove

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice

• Salt & pepper

• 2 tablespoons pasta water

For Garnish

• Extra parsley

• Lemon zest

• Black pepper

• Olive oil drizzle

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente.

• Reserve 2 tablespoons pasta water, then drain.

2. Make the Green Herb Sauce

Blend together:

• Basil

• Parsley

• Spinach

• Garlic

• Parmesan

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice
  Mix in a splash of pasta water to make it smooth.
  Season with salt and pepper.

3. Cook the Mussels

• Heat olive oil in a large pan.

• Add garlic and sauté briefly.

• Add mussels, salt, pepper, and white wine.

• Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes until mussels open.

• Discard any mussels that stay closed.

• Stir in chopped parsley.

4. Combine the Pasta

• Toss cooked pasta with the green herb sauce until evenly coated.

5. Plate and Garnish

• Twirl the pasta into a tall mound in the center of a plate.

• Arrange mussels around it.

• Drizzle olive oil, add lemon zest, chopped herbs, and cracked black pepper.

6. Serve

Serve immediately while warm.
Perfect for a gourmet-style seafood pasta dish.