You’re getting herbs, vegetables, healthy fats, and essential proteins all in one delicious dish. Leaving your savory taste buds beyond satisfied! These meals are made special with love and creativity for a tasty approach to holistic health.

This Basil Pesto Pasta BOTH WAYS is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. It simple enough to whip up after a long day or to keep you satisfied all day after lunch! These meals even serve as a great post-workout meal with all the protein packed into every bite!

I make this dish when I’m craving a filling pasta! It pairs perfectly with homemade garlic bread (plant based of course), a simple salad, and someone to share it with!

Pasta # 1

Servings: 4-5

Cooktime: 20 Min

Ingredients:

1 Box of Gluten Free (Optional) Angel Hair Pasta – I use Banza https://www.eatbanza.com/products/angel-hair

Sauce

Apprx 2 Handfuls of Fresh Basil

Apprx 1 handful of Fresh Spinach

1/2 an Avocado

2 Garlic Cloves

1 tsp of Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 Cup of Hemp Seeds

1/2 Cup of Pine Nuts ( Can Substitute with Walnuts or Pecans)

1/3 Cup of Avocado/Olive Oil

Himalayan Pink Sea Salt to Taste

Black Pepper to Taste

Vegetable Topping

2 Yellow Squash Cut Vertically into Spears

1 Handful of Rainbow Cherry Tomatoes Cut in Halves

(Optional) Fresh Basil for Topping

Apprx 1 tsp Creole Seasoning (season to taste)

Apprx 1 tsp of Adobo Seasoning (season to taste)

Apprx 1 tsp Dried Basil (season to taste)

Apprx 1 tsp Black Pepper (season to taste)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add your box of angel hair pasta

2. Boil pasta for approximately 5-7 min till cooked aldente ( follow box instructions DON’T COOK FOR TOO LONG )

3. While your pasta is boiling add all your sauce ingredients into a blender (personal size works best) or food processor

4. Add water to thin out the sauce if needed

5. Blend until sauce is smooth and creamy

6. Turn the stove top heat down to low remove the pot and drain your pasta completely

7. Add your sauce to the pot and mix in on low heat till sauce is hot

8. Cover and remove pot from heat

9. In a medium pan on high heat add 1/4 cup water and (optional) 1/2 tsp of oil or plant based butter

10. Add your squash spears and mix in your seasonings

11. Place lid on the pan and let the veggies steam for 3 minutes

12. Add your cherry tomatoes and place the lid back on

13. Cook veggies till desired texture is reached

14. Plate your pasta, add your veggies on top, and top it off with fresh basil leaves!

Pasta #2

Servings: 4-5

Cooktime: 20 Min

Ingredients:

1 Box of Gluten Free (Optional) Rigatoni or Penne Pasta – I use Banza https://www.eatbanza.com/products/angel-hair

Sauce

Same Ingredients as Listed Above

Vegetable Topping

4 Cups of Fresh Broccoli

Apprx 1 tsp Dried Basil (season to taste)

Apprx 1 tsp Creole Seasoning (season to taste)

Apprx 1 tsp Black Pepper (season to taste)

Apprx 1 tsp of Adobo Seasoning (season to taste)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add your box of penne pasta

2. Boil pasta for approximately 7-9 min till cooked aldente ( follow box instructions DON’T COOK FOR TOO LONG )

3. While your pasta is boiling add all your sauce ingredients into a blender (personal size works best) or food processor

4. Add water to thin out the sauce if needed

5. Blend until sauce is smooth and creamy

6. Turn the stove top heat down to low remove the pot and drain your pasta completely

7. Add your sauce to the pot and mix in on low heat till sauce is hot

8. Cover and remove pot from heat

9. In a medium to large pot on high heat add 1/2 cup water (or more) and (optional) 1/2 tsp of oil or plant based butter

10. Add broccoli and mix in seasoning

11. Place lid on the pot and let the veggies steam for approximately 5 minutes or until desired texture is reached

12. Plate your pasta, add your veggies on top, and top it off with an optional fresh arugula or onion sprouts

Enjoy!

Notes: Seasoning measurements vary depending on your own personal palette.

Comment below if you enjoyed this recipe!