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Pastaspicy
Spicy Pesto Elbow Pasta
This spicy pesto pasta is warm, bold, and packed with layers of flavor.
Craving a pasta night with a real kick? This dish brings together the herbaceous, aromatic notes of your favorite pesto with the fiery, savory depth of chili onion crunch oil. Tossed with charred roasted broccoli, blistered sautéed cherry tomatoes, and a dusting of savory nutritional yeast, it delivers an incredible mix of textures. Using Fiber Gourmet Light Elbows keeps the base light, comforting, and packed with healthy fiber.
Ingredients
1 box Fiber Gourmet Light Elbows
1/3 cup of your favorite prepared pesto
1-2 tablespoons chili onion crunch oil (adjust to your heat preference)
1 cup cherry tomatoes
2 cups broccoli florets
2-3 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for sautéing and roasting)
A splash of reserved pasta water
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Quick Tips
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Save that starchy water: Don't forget to scoop out about a half-cup of pasta water before draining! Because pesto and chili oil are thick, a splash of this starchy liquid is the secret to emulsifying them into a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every single elbow perfectly.
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Blister the tomatoes: Sauté the cherry tomatoes in a hot pan with a drizzle of olive oil until they drop their juices and start to wrinkle and char. This concentrates their natural sugars, balancing the spicy heat of the dish.
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Control the spice: Chili onion crunch oil can vary in heat depending on the brand. Start with one tablespoon mixed into the pasta, taste it, and drizzle more on top if you want an extra fiery kick.
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Roast the broccoli high: Toss your broccoli florets with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them at 400°F (or air fry them) until the edges are crispy and slightly blackened. This adds an incredible smoky crunch to the dish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
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Light Elbows cut traditional pasta calories in half while multiplying the fiber
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Loaded with nutrient-dense green veggies and juicy, blistered tomatoes
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Features a rich, complex flavor profile from the fusion of basil pesto and chili crunch
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Completely dairy-free while retaining a cheesy, umami depth thanks to nutritional yeast
How To Make Creamy Tomato Pasta
1
Prep and Roast the Vegetables Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the broccoli florets with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 12 to 15 minutes until tender and crispy around the edges. Meanwhile, heat a splash of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they are blistered and bursting. Stir in the crushed garlic during the last minute so it gets fragrant without burning.
2
Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Fiber Gourmet Light Elbows according to the package instructions until al dente. Right before draining, carefully scoop out about a half-cup of the warm pasta cooking water and set it aside. Drain the elbows.
3
Build the Spicy Pesto Sauce In the large, warm pot you used for the pasta (off the direct heat), combine your favorite prepared pesto, the chili onion crunch oil, and a small splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the oils and water marry into a glossy sauce.
4
 Combine Everything
Toss and Garnish Add the hot cooked elbows, roasted broccoli, and sautéed garlic-tomato mixture into the pot with the sauce. Sprinkle the nutritional yeast over the top. Toss everything gently until the pasta is beautifully coated, adding another splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick. Season with an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired, and serve immediately!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does the nutritional yeast do?
Nutritional yeast is a plant-based seasoning that delivers a wonderful, subtle cheesy and savory flavor (umami) without the need for actual dairy. It also helps thicken the sauce. If you don't have it on hand, you can easily substitute it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes! This pasta holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, just add a tiny splash of water or a quick drizzle of olive oil before popping it in the microwave to loosen the pesto sauce up again.
Can I add a protein to this dish?
Absolutely! This spicy profile pairs perfectly with sliced grilled chicken breast, blackened shrimp, pan-seared tofu, or even some lean ground turkey sautéed right alongside the garlic and tomatoes.
A Better-For-You Twist
A Bold Upgrade to Comfort Food
Standard restaurant-style pesto or spicy oil pastas are typically swimming in heavy fats and empty carbs, leaving you feeling sluggish right after eating. This recipe reinvents the classic bowl.
By grounding the meal with Fiber Gourmet Light Elbows, you automatically cut the pasta calories in half and introduce a massive wave of gut-healthy dietary fiber. Instead of rely on heavy cream or mounds of processed cheese for flavor, we use antioxidant-rich extra virgin olive oil, real garlic, vitamin-packed veggies, and vitamin B-rich nutritional yeast. You get all the fiery, savory luxury you crave with a vastly superior nutritional profile.
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