Pesto Pasta & Greens

There is nothing more satisfying than a big hearty bowl of pasta! This delicious pasta dish with homemade pesto, can be customised to add in your favourite vegetables, or to use what's in season.

We love using wholemeal pasta, for some extra fibre. And for a hit of extra protein, why not crumble in some tofu, or use some TVP (textured vegetable protein) mince. 

Ingredients

Pesto:

  • 1 large bunch of Basil
  • 100g Pine Nuts
  • 15g Nutritional Yeast
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 60g Olive Oil

Sauce:

  • Olive Oil in a pan
  • 1 Tsp plant-based Butter/Margarine
  • 1 Minced Garlic clove
  • 150g Cherry Tomatoes, sliced into halves
  • Dry Herbs

Pasta & Greens:

  • Pinch of Salt
  • 150g Green Beans
  • 250g Pasta - we love wholemeal for extra fibre

Or pick greens of your choice - we love:

  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Peas


Method

1. To make your pesto - add half the basil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, salt & olive oil to a blender and blend for a few seconds. Add the remaining basil and a little more oil if it's too thick, and blend for a few more seconds. 

2. Heat a pan on medium and add olive oil, butter/margarine, and garlic. Stir until the butter has melted, then add the sliced cherry tomatoes and dry herbs. Let cook on a low-mid heat for around 10 mins, until soft. 

3. In the meantime, boil a pot of salted water for your pasta. Once the water is boiling add your green beans, and your favourite pasta. Cook according to packet instructions.

4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain (reserving a little pasta water) and add into the pan with the cherry tomatoes. Stir through, then add in your pesto. Stir again, adding a little pasta water to loosen if required. 

5. Serve with some fresh basil, and a sprinkling of plant-based parmesan or nutritional yeast. Enjoy!