Tasty Pesto with Garbanzo Bean Pasta

Melissa Halas, MA, RND, CDE

I’m always searching for new foods to help meet my nutrition needs for exercise and weight lifting. In just 2 oz, this pasta provides 14 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber!

I love pesto! I grow Thai basil from seed and purchase large leaf Italian basil plants from Trader Joes. They both grow abundantly and provide me with basil throughout late spring, summer and early fall. As it gets hotter and they grow taller, I can’t use the woody stems and only use the leaves. So adding peas helps boost volume, fiber and cuts down on the cost of meal per serving since pesto ingredients are expensive.

Recently I’ve been into bean pastas. Banza (eatbanza.com) shipped me some samples and I LOVE it! The texture is delicious –just be sure NOT to over cook it. This pasta is gluten free and so is this tasty pesto.

Makes: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients in Tasty Pesto with Garbanzo Bean Pasta

• 1 cup of packed basil

• 1/4 cup parmesan

• 1/4 cup pine nuts

• 1/4 cup jumbo pitted Greek Kalamata Olives (from a glass jar)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 cup cooked peas (you can add more, experiment with your taste preference)

• 8 ounces Banza chickpea pasta

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes

Directions for Tasty Pesto with Garbanzo Bean Pasta

1. Wash and trim basil.

2. Heat frozen peas in microwave until soft.

3. Measure and place all ingredients in food processor. Blend until smooth consistency.

4. Wash and cut cherry tomatoes.

5. Cook pasta – stir often and check consistency at 7 and 8 minutes. Do not cook past 9 minutes, serve al dente.

6. Mix pasta with pesto and top with chopped tomatoes. I also sprinkle in some additional pine nuts, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and add fresh basil leaves.

Cronometer Nutrition Information for Tasty Pesto with Garbanzo Bean Pasta:

Melissa Halas, MA, RDN, CDE, is CEO of SuperKids Nutrition and creator of the

Super Crew. She's a nationally recognized Registered Dietitian specializing in pediatrics, sports, and plant-based nutrition. Check out her books that promote plant-based eating for both children and adults, including The Plant-Based Boost, Nutrition Solutions for Athletes and Exercise Enthusiasts, The Plant-Based Boost Cookbook, 100+ Recipes for Athletes and Exercise Enthusiasts, The Super Crew’s Breakfast Cookbook for Kids, 50 Tasty Recipes + 100 Fun Nutrition Activities, and Healthy Eating for Families, The Ultimate Nutrition Guide for Kids, Parents, and Educators (in English and Spanish). Shop her books here.

Contact Melissa.