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Pesto Parmesan Fresh Start Chickpea Pasta Primavera with Parmesan Broccoli, an original WorkLife Meal Plan recipe

Vegetarian

Pesto Parmesan Fresh Start Chickpea Pasta Primavera with Parmesan Broccoli

Basil pesto and nutty Parmesan for instant weeknight appeal. This recipe coats protein-rich chickpea pasta and colorful vegetables in a silky pantry sauce, loaded with colorful produce and a bright, clean finish, with a familiar vegetable boost. It is designed for dependable prep, familiar groceries, and a calm family dinner.

Plant-forwardHigh fiber30 minutesProduce-forwardKid-friendly
Prep16 min
Cook18 min
Serves4
Total34 min
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What you’ll need

Ingredients

  • 12 oz chickpea pasta
  • 1 zucchini, cut into half-moons
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cups small broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
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Make it happen

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

  2. 2

    Warm olive oil in a large skillet. Cook zucchini and bell pepper for 5 minutes, then add tomatoes.

  3. 3

    Stir in 1/3 cup basil pesto and 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan and reserved pasta water. Simmer for 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add pasta and spinach, toss until glossy and wilted, then add Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves and serve immediately.

  5. 5

    Cook the broccoli until crisp-tender and toss with Parmesan before folding it into the meal.

Estimated per serving

Nutrition at a glance

Estimates are provided for planning and are not medical advice.

515calories22gprotein13gfiber