Save A vibrant, protein-packed pasta dish featuring green peas and spinach blended into a silky sauce, creating a fresh, nutrient-rich meal with a magical green hue.
This recipe has become my go-to for a quick weeknight meal that still feels special and healthy.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g protein pasta (e.g., chickpea or lentil-based, or whole wheat pasta)
- Green Sauce: 200 g frozen green peas, 100 g baby spinach leaves, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 small shallot, finely chopped, 30 g fresh basil leaves, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 60 ml low-sodium vegetable broth (or water), 80 g Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt for vegan), 30 g grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan), ½ tsp fine sea salt, ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Topping: Zest of 1 lemon, 20 g toasted pine nuts (optional), Extra Parmesan or nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the protein pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 100 ml of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, sauté for 2 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3:
- Add the frozen peas and spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring, for 2 3 minutes until peas are heated through and spinach is wilted.
- Step 4:
- Transfer the pea-spinach mixture to a blender. Add basil, vegetable broth, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and remaining olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Step 5:
- Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour the green sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat. Warm through over low heat if needed.
- Step 6:
- Serve in bowls. Top with lemon zest, toasted pine nuts, and extra Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Save My family loves gathering around this dish, especially when served with fresh crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Required Tools
Large pot, Skillet, Blender, Colander, Zester
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (Greek yogurt, Parmesan), Gluten (unless using gluten-free pasta), Tree nuts (pine nuts, optional). Use dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives as needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 420, Total Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 24 g
Save This dish is a delightful way to enjoy greens in a creamy, comforting pasta perfect for any day.
Kitchen Questions
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Protein-rich pasta variants like chickpea, lentil-based, or whole wheat pasta complement the sauce well and boost the dish's nutritional profile.
- → How can I adjust the sauce consistency?
Use reserved pasta cooking water to thin the sauce gently for a smooth, creamy texture without diluting flavors.
- → Can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Replace Greek yogurt with plant-based alternatives and Parmesan with nutritional yeast to keep it vegan while maintaining creaminess and umami.
- → What is the role of toasted pine nuts in the dish?
Toasted pine nuts add a pleasant crunch and subtle nuttiness, enhancing texture and depth of flavor.
- → Which herbs are best used in the green sauce?
Fresh basil leaves provide an aromatic, slightly sweet note that brightens and balances the green pea and spinach flavors.
- → How long does the dish take to prepare?
The total time is approximately 35 minutes, including 15 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking.