Fresh Basil and Pea Shoot Pasta
Quick and herbaceous pasta with al dente spaghetti, tender pea shoots, and a garlicky olive oil finish. This general-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs Spaghetti, Extra virgin olive oil, minced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Spaghetti
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup Fresh pea shoots
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced Fresh basil
- 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 garlic cloves (minced) and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add drained spaghetti, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1/2 cup fresh pea shoots, and 1/4 cup fresh basil (thinly sliced) to the skillet; toss for 2 minutes until pea shoots wilt and sauce coats pasta.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, then season with salt to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fresh Basil and Pea Shoot Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Fresh Basil and Pea Shoot Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fresh Basil and Pea Shoot Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Fresh Basil and Pea Shoot Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Fresh Basil and Pea Shoot Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
