High-Protein Pesto Edamame Pasta
Tender pasta tossed with shelled edamame, mild store-bought pesto, and rich shredded Comte and Parmesan cheeses. A satisfying, quick dinner designed to be high in plant protein and gentle on digestion.
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
15 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Jen + Lila
Jen created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthEveryday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
15 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Colander
Time saver
Measure everything before you start so this quick recipe moves without pauses.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Fill a medium pot with water
- 01
Fill a medium pot with water
Fill a medium pot with water, add a small pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
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Add 2 oz (57g) pasta and 0
Add 2 oz (57g) pasta and 0.5 cup (75g) shelled edamame to the boiling water. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and edamame is tender.
Look for: the pasta is al dente and edamame is tender
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Carefully scoop out 2 tbsp of warm…
Carefully scoop out 2 tbsp of warm pasta cooking water from the pot and set it aside in a small cup.
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Drain the pasta and edamame through a…
Drain the pasta and edamame through a colander and immediately return them to the warm pot off the heat.
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Pour 2 tbsp store-bought pesto
Pour 2 tbsp store-bought pesto, 2 tbsp grated comte cheese, 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese, and the reserved pasta water into the pot.
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Stir gently for 1 minute until the…
Stir gently for 1 minute until the cheeses melt completely into a glossy sauce coating the pasta.
Look for: the cheeses melt completely into a glossy sauce coating the pasta
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Transfer to a bowl and serve warm…
Transfer to a bowl and serve warm within 30 minutes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Allow: 30 minutes
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