ft Broccoli, Spinach and Peas
Ingredients
- 3–4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 heaped cup broccoli florets (small pieces cook faster)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 packed cup spinach
- 3–4 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan or cream cheese (optional, for body)
- ¼–½ cup oat milk
- 2–3 tablespoons reserved pasta water
- ½ teaspoon honey (or to taste)
- Pasta of choice
- Salt (light hand — pasta water carries most of it)
Optional:
- A small squeeze of lemon juice
- Extra drizzle of olive oil when serving adults
Method
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a pot of well-salted water with splash of olive oil to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Build the sauce
While the pasta cooks:
In a wide pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and sauté gently until fragrant — do not brown.
Add broccoli and peas. Add a small splash of the reserved pasta water, cover, and let steam 4–6 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender.
Add spinach and basil. Let wilt briefly.
Turn off the heat.
3. Blend the sauce
Let everything cool slightly and transfer everything to a blender.
Add:
- Cheese (if using)
- Oat milk
- 2–3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water
Blend until smooth. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Taste and adjust:
- Honey for roundness
- A squeeze of lemon if you want brightness
4. Finish the sauce
Transfer to a pot and let it come to a boil.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach your preferred consistency.
5. Combine and serve
Toss the pasta with the sauce until evenly coated.
Finish with honey, freshly grated or shredded parmesan, and for adults add a drizzle of olive oil and freshly cracked pepper.
Notes
- Blanching the greens also works. I do not blanch for weekday cooking.
- Pasta water carries most of the salt — season lightly at the start.
- Honey softens the broccoli flavor and makes this more toddler-friendly.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
About this recipe
This is a 5 a.m. solution — not a classic green sauce. It’s a way of working broccoli and greens into a meal without announcing it. The garlic is generous, the texture is smooth, and the sweetness balances what might otherwise be resisted. It works for daycare containers and for grown-up bowls with a drizzle of olive oil on top.
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