Lemon Broccoli Pasta with "Cheesy" Hemp Heart Topping

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This recipe was inspired by Love & Lemons, and it is an easy alternative to traditional pasta with tomato sauce. If you love lemon like I do, I would recommend buying a lemon-infused olive oil to add to the lemony goodness. Another great thing about this recipe is the “cheesy” topping which is made of hemp hearts and nutritional yeast. It’s a wonderful alternative for people who don’t like cheese (me) and vegans.

Lemon broccoli pasta with hemp heart and nutritional yeast topping.

Ingredients:

Pasta and Veggies:

  • 10 oz. brown rice pasta (or other pasta/noodle of your liking)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (I give the recipe extra lemon flavor by using a local lemon-infused olive oil)

  • 2 cloves minced garlic

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • 1 cup frozen peas

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and pepper (optional)

"Cheesy" hemp heart topping:

Instructions:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add broccoli (if you prefer your broccoli well-cooked, I would recommend steaming it beforehand until it is about halfway to your liking, then add to skillet). Once broccoli is about halfway cooked to your liking, add peas and garlic.

  2. While veggies are cooking, boil pasta according to package instructions.

  3. Make the hemp heart topping by mixing together the hemp hearts, nutritional yeast, basil, and salt. Set aside.

  4. Once pasta is complete, drain and scoop it out of the pot and place directly into the skillet and toss. Add lemon juice, stir, and remove from heat.

  5. Top pasta bowls with a sprinkle of hemp heart topping and red pepper flakes (optional). Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.