This is a creamy, vibrant green pasta made from blended peas, cashews, garlic, and a few ingredients you might already have sitting in your kitchen. It’s high in plant-based protein, full of flavor, and comes together quickly. Almost effortlessly. The best part of this dish is that it doesn’t really feel like a “healthy substitute.” It just feels like a really good bowl of pasta.
There’s quite a lot happening in this dish:
- Green peas bring plant-based protein and natural sweetness
- Cashews create that creamy, velvety texture
- Nutritional yeast adds a subtle, cheesy depth
- Garlic + ginger give it warmth and complexity
- Lemon juice brightens everything
And when it all blends together with a bit of pasta water, it turns into a sauce that clings to every bite.
Ingredients
- Pasta of choice ( I prefer rigatoni or rotini, but use what you like!)
- 1 ½ cups frozen green peas, thawed
- 2–3 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- ¼ cup cashews (soaked beforehand if you want extra smoothness)
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- 2–3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- A handful of fresh basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Reserved pasta water (for blending and thickening)
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
Remember: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. This is key for your sauce.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine:
- Thawed green peas
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Cashews
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Nutritional yeast
- Basil
- A splash of pasta water
Blend until smooth.
Add more pasta water as needed until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
Step 3
Return your drained pasta to the pot and pour the sauce over it and toss gently over low heat.
If needed, add a bit more pasta water to help everything coat evenly.
Step 4
Add:
- Salt
- Pepper
- A little extra lemon juice if you want more brightness
Let everything combine and warm together. Serve warm, and top with a little extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil for a flavor boost.
It pairs beautifully with a simple salad or toasted bread; or, just enjoy it on its own, exactly as it is.
Disclaimer: The recipes and nutritional content shared on this blog are based on personal experience and general wellness principles. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. Please consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making any significant dietary changes, especially if you have allergies or health conditions.
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