Growing up, I had a weird but fun obsession with video games and pasta. And when I saw Koopasta in Paper Mario, something about that green pasta dish stuck in my head. It looked so comforting, so homey, and so oddly familiar.
After a little kitchen tinkering, I finally put together a Koopasta Recipe that feels like it jumped right out of the game and into my dinner table.
This pasta dish is creamy, packed with green goodness, and super easy to make with a handful of fresh pasta ingredients. Whether you’re a Paper Mario fan or just want a cozy homemade pasta night, this one’s a keeper.
Homemade Koopasta Recipe Inspired By Paper Mario
This Koopasta Recipe brings that green magic from Paper Mario straight to your plate. It’s a creamy green spaghetti made with fresh basil, green pesto, and a good handful of greens like spinach and peas.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Course: Main
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Calories Per Serving: ~520 kcal
What Are The Ingredients In Koopasta?
Here’s everything I use to make this cozy green pasta dish. It’s a quick mix of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
- 250g spaghetti (or any fresh pasta of your choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup green pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup green peas (frozen works great)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional but great)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Fresh pasta or spaghetti works best. If you’ve got homemade pasta—use it! It clings beautifully to the sauce.
- Green Pesto: You can make it from scratch with basil, pine nuts, garlic, EVOO, and parmesan—or use your favorite jar.
- Greens: Feel free to toss in kale or arugula if you’re out of spinach.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook The Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until al dente (check the package for time). Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté The Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the EVOO over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
Step 3: Add The Greens
Toss in the spinach and peas. Stir them around for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the peas are warmed through.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the pesto. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so everything blends together into a creamy green sauce.
Step 5: Toss In The Pasta
Add your cooked pasta into the pan. Pour in a bit of that reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated.Step 6: Final Touches
Sprinkle with parmesan if using, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
How To Prevent Koopasta From Getting Soggy?
No one wants mushy pasta—especially not in Koopasta.
- Cook pasta just until al dente. It should still have a little bite.
- Avoid overcooking the spinach and peas. They only need a couple of minutes.
- Don’t drown the dish in sauce. A light, creamy coat is enough.
Tips For Perfect Koopasta Every Time
Let me share a few tricks I’ve picked up while testing this recipe (and trust me, I made it way too many times while trying to nail that perfect Paper Mario vibe).
- Use fresh pasta if you can—it holds the sauce like a dream.
- Homemade pesto makes a difference. If you’ve got a blender, try blending basil, garlic, pine nuts, EVOO, and a pinch of salt.
- Add pasta water gradually. It helps the sauce stick without getting runny.
- Use tongs to mix. They’re better than a spoon when tossing pasta with sauce.
What To Serve With Koopasta
Here are some easy ways to complete your Koopasta night:
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or toast on the side
- A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade
- Top it with a soft-boiled egg or grilled chicken if you want extra protein
Personal Touch & Memory
The first time I made this Koopasta recipe, my little cousin—who’s obsessed with Paper Mario—thought I had pulled it straight out of the game. We sat on the floor, controllers in hand, eating green spaghetti and giggling every time Mario said, “Let’s-a go!”
That’s when I knew this one wasn’t just another pasta dish. It was one of those cozy meals that make you feel like a kid again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Another Type Of Pasta Instead Of Spaghetti?
Yes! Fettuccine, linguine, or even short pasta like penne works just fine. Use what you have.
Can I Make Koopasta Vegan?
You can! Swap the cream for coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use a dairy-free pesto.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream.
Can I Freeze Koopasta?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing it—cream-based sauces can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Is Koopasta Spicy?
Not at all! But if you want a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
I’d love to know if you try this Koopasta Recipe! Whether you’re a Paper Mario fan or just love a good homemade pasta dish with a creamy pesto twist, this one’s always a hit in my kitchen.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out—or snap a pic and tag me on social media. Happy cooking!
— Naznin
Game-Inspired Koopasta Recipe Kids Will Love
Ingredients
- 250 g spaghetti or any fresh pasta of your choice
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup green pesto homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup green peas frozen works great
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil EVOO
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese optional but great
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook The Pasta
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until al dente (check the package for time). Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté The Garlic
- In a large skillet, heat the EVOO over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown.
Step 3: Add The Greens
- Toss in the spinach and peas. Stir them around for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the peas are warmed through.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the pesto. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so everything blends together into a creamy green sauce.
Step 5: Toss In The Pasta
- Add your cooked pasta into the pan. Pour in a bit of that reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Sprinkle with parmesan if using, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
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