Save A vibrant satisfying pasta dish featuring plant-based pea protein tender vegetables and a rich creamy pesto sauce&mdashall cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Protein: 300 g (10.5 oz) short pasta (e.g. penne fusilli use gluten free if desired) 200 g (7 oz) pea protein crumbles or chunks (shelf stable or refrigerated)
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion finely chopped 2 cloves garlic minced 150 g (1 cup) frozen peas 120 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes halved 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- Sauce & Liquid: 700 ml (3 cups) vegetable broth 120 ml (1/2 cup) unsweetened plant based cream (oat or soy recommended) 100 g (1/2 cup) prepared green pesto (store bought or homemade vegetarian) 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or vegan alternative 1 tbsp olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat Add onion and sauté for 23 minutes until softened Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more
- Step 2:
- Stir in the pea protein crumbles and cook for 2 minutes until lightly browned
- Step 3:
- Add the pasta vegetable broth and plant based cream Stir to combine Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium low Simmer uncovered for 810 minutes stirring frequently
- Step 4:
- Add frozen peas cherry tomatoes and pesto Continue cooking for 57 minutes stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed
- Step 5:
- Stir in the spinach and Parmesan Cook for 12 minutes until spinach is wilted and sauce is creamy
- Step 6:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste Serve hot garnished with extra Parmesan if desired
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Save Recipe Help & Answers
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta for this dish?
Yes, gluten-free short pasta works well without altering the texture significantly.
- → How can I make the dish vegan?
Substitute dairy Parmesan with a vegan alternative and use vegan pesto to maintain richness.
- → What substitutes are good for pea protein crumbles?
Other plant proteins like lentils or textured vegetable protein can be used as alternatives.
- → Is it possible to add other vegetables?
Absolutely, zucchini or broccoli can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → How do I avoid the sauce becoming too watery?
Simmer uncovered and stir frequently to allow excess liquid to reduce and thicken the sauce.