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–+ servings
Bowl of quick pasta with greens, peas, and toasted breadcrumbs, perfect for Healthy Meals Recipes in 20 Minutes.

Healthy Meals Recipes in 20 Minutes: Weeknight Winner

This recipe is for busy cooks needing a fast, nutritious meal for a weeknight. You can prepare this flavorful pasta dish quickly, making healthy eating achievable even on hectic evenings.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 1.5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 package fresh tagliatelle or linguine (9 ounces)
  • 8 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
Breadcrumb Topping
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese from the total amount
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Egg Mixture
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 large egg
  • 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese remaining amount
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Put 10 cups of water in a large pot and bring it to a boil over high heat.
  2. While the water heats, warm the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breadcrumbs and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the breadcrumbs are toasted, about 2 minutes. Move the mixture to a small bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons of Parmesan and the parsley. Set this aside.
  3. Whisk the remaining 6 tablespoons of Parmesan, the egg yolks, the whole egg, pepper, and salt in a medium bowl.
  4. Cook the pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Add the spinach and peas and cook until the pasta is tender, about 1 minute more. Keep 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and vegetables and place them in a large bowl.
  5. Slowly whisk the reserved cooking water into the egg mixture. Gradually add this egg mixture to the pasta, tossing with tongs to coat everything evenly. Serve the pasta topped with the reserved breadcrumb mixture.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 223mgSodium: 586mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 8198IUVitamin C: 51mgCalcium: 246mgIron: 6mg

Notes

This recipe came from a busy Tuesday when time was short. The quick preparation results in a satisfying, wholesome meal for your family.

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