Jess, our HelloGrads nutritionist presents a perfect plate to combat the post lunch-time lull: Prawn Pesto Pasta – a super-filling meal to be enjoyed at home, on the go or with friends and family.
 

 
Most of us know that afternoon slump where we’re struggling to stay alert and awake; well, it could have something to do with what we ate for lunch, for example a heavy dose of carbs can cause our blood sugar to spike and crash, leaving us feeling sluggish and cranky soon after. A well-balanced midday meal can be key to avoiding fatigue and maintaining energy levels. Try this quick and easy recipe, packed with a healthy balance of carbohydrate, protein and fat, which will leave you feeling satisfied and full for a long period of time.
 
 
 

Prawn Pesto Pasta Recipe

 
Serves: 2

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

165g king prawns

160g wholewheat pasta e.g. fusilli or penne

50g spinach

30g cherry tomatoes

30g basil leaves

20g pine nuts

1 medium avocado

1 lemon, juiced

2 tsp garlic granules

½ tbsp butter

2 tbsp olive oil

½ red chilli, seeds removed

1 x spring onion

1 tbsp parmesan cheese (or use nutritional yeast)

Method

1. Boil the pasta with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes, or until soft.

 

2. In a frying pan, heat the olive oil and add the prawns.

 

3. Fry on a medium heat for 2 minutes, then add in the chilli, spring onion, garlic and butter; continue to fry for a further 5 minutes, or until prawns are cooked, then put to one side.

 

4. In a food processor, add the avocado, pine nuts, basil, garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper, lemon juice, olive oil and parmesan/nutritional yeast.
   Blend and pulse the pesto mixture until smooth.

 

5. Drain pasta and combine with pesto, spinach and cherry tomatoes.

 

6. Season with salt and pepper, top with parmesan/nutritional yeast and enjoy!

Find out more:

Food Moods!
Discover how a nutritious diet helps both physical and mental wellbeing, keeping us happy, alert & energised