Easy Pasta Alfredo

When I’m getting creative in the kitchen, I look for the 4S rule: Simple, Satisfying, uses mostly Staples & easy made Swaps. This pasta Alfredo ticks all the boxes. It takes about 30 minutes if you use 2 burners, so the pasta can cook while you’re moving through the sauce steps. I keep Banza pasta on hand all the time along with some of the flavor boosters (garlic, butter onion) & fresh veggies, so I personally deem this an easy one to throw together with what you have on hand. Need some help with stocking your pantry? You can download my Pantry Staple guide from this post.

I used local spicy sausage the first time I made this, but have since discovered it’s a stand-up vegetarian dish, too. I’ve written it as a veggie pasta, with the option to add meat. TBH - you could swap and add veggies according to what’s available in your pantry. Got broccoli? Chop it up and throw it in the mix! Out of mushrooms - totally fine, toss in some carrots. I work with so many clients that feel fearful of venturing too far from an original recipe. You have full permission to stray and make this your own! That being said, the green bell peppers are delightful, so definitely give them a try!

This is one of those magical recipes that came to me in a moment of inspiration and every time I make it, I give myself a little pat on the back. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

INGREDIENTS

Elemental Yoga Therapy uses intelligent sequencing to connect and balance the body to the season and our environment.

  • 1 box banza pasta (reg pasta a-ok!)

  • 2 tbl butter

  • 5-7 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1/4 red onion, diced

  • 2 cups heavy cream (I typically use one of the small cartons!)

  • 1.5+ fresh grated parmesan cheese

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • 2-4 cups spinach

  • 2 small green bell peppers, diced

  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, chopped

  • s&p to taste

  • OPT: Ground meat

  • OPT: crushed red pepper

DIRECTIONS

  1. Cook pasta according to box. Rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

  2. If adding meat, brown in a skillet & set aside.

  3. In a large skillet, heat butter, garlic, onion on medium and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream & watch it bubble. Add parmesan & keep stirring (5ish min).

  4. Toss in veggies (& meat if applicable). Let simmer another 5 min.

  5. Add pasta, turn heat to low, simmer another 5-10 minutes for flavors to combine.

  6. serve immediately or store in the fridge for 3 days!

Emilie MaynorPasta, easy dinner, food, plant basedComment