Green Pasta with Toasted Nuts
This vibrant pasta dish combines whole-grain or regular pasta with sautéed garlic and a mix of nutrient-packed greens, including spinach, chard, and basil, for a flavourful and antioxidant-rich base. Toasted mixed nuts add crunch, healthy fats, and additional nutrients, while olive oil ties the dish together and serves as a key source of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that supports cell health and immunity. The greens contribute fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like magnesium and iron, making this a well-rounded, plant-forward meal. Drizzling with olive oil and incorporating nuts boosts the absorption of vitamin E and other fat-soluble nutrients, turning this simple pasta into a nutrient-dense, heart-healthy, and delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 600 g pasta
- 8 tbsp olive oil
- 8 cups spinach / kale or chard or a mix
- 1 cup basil leaves fresh
- 8 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup mixed nuts - roasted gently almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, pine nuts
- salt & crushed red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta per package directions; reserve ¼ cup cooking water.
- While pasta is cooking - toast nuts gently in preheated oven - checking often.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add greens and cook until wilted - approx 2 mins
- Blitz green mix and basil and half the nuts in processor with some of the reserved water
- Mix green mix into pasta.
- Top with toasted nuts before serving.
Notes
- Add parmesan for extra taste.
- Why not try with roasted gnocchi - defo a game changer in our house.