Lunch: Pasta with Snap Peas, Basil, and Spinach

This is a great dish to make anytime during the spring — it's chock full of colorful, seasonal ingredients and you can make it in no time at all.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Spinach, Basil

Health benefits of Pasta with Snap Peas, Basil, and Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being. Basil is an excellent stress reliever, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredients

Coarse salt
ground pepper
3/4 lb. short pasta
3 clove garlic
8 oz. snap peas
10 oz. baby spinach
1/2 c. fresh basil leaves
1/3 c. heavy cream
3 oz. Parmesan

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta and garlic 1 minute less than package instructions. Add snap peas and cook 30 seconds. Add spinach and basil and stir once to wilt. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Add cream to pot and heat over medium-high until bubbling. Return pasta mixture and 1/4 cup pasta water to pot and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan. If necessary, add remaining pasta water to create a light sauce that coats pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Looking for more quick and easy recipes? Check out our quick family-favorites, fast dinners for weeknights, and healthy recipes for less than $3 a serving.