We Tried Those Famous TikTok Pasta Chips

Ingredients

• 8 oz Dry Pasta (e.g., Penne or Fusilli) (uncooked, will yield about 2 cups cooked)
• 2 large stems Broccoli Stems (roughly chopped, outer skin peeled)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (loosely packed, roughly chopped)
• 1/2 cup Fresh Basil (leaves only, loosely packed)
• 1/2 cup Cashews (soaked) (soaked in hot water for 5‑10 minutes, then drained)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed from half a lemon)
• 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for a rich pesto)
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup Broccoli Florets (chopped into bite‑size pieces)
• 2 tablespoons Extra Fresh Parsley (for garnish, finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dry pasta and cook al dente according to package directions, about 8‑10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside in a large mixing bowl.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: boiling

2. Prep the Broccoli Stems

   Trim off any tough outer skin of the broccoli stems with a small paring knife, then roughly chop the stems into 1‑inch pieces.

   Time: PT5M

3. Prep Herbs and Cashews

   Wash the parsley and basil. Roughly chop the parsley; keep the basil leaves whole for the blender. Soak the cashews in hot water for 5‑10 minutes, then drain.

   Time: PT5M

4. Blend the Pesto

   In a blender or food processor combine the chopped broccoli stems, parsley, basil, soaked cashews, lemon juice, sea salt, and olive oil. Blend on high until smooth, about 30‑45 seconds. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

   Time: PT2M

5. Combine Pasta and Pesto

   Add the cooled pasta to the large mixing bowl, pour the broccoli‑stem pesto over it, and toss to coat evenly. Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped broccoli florets, and extra parsley.

   Time: PT3M

6. Serve

   Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish, garnish with the remaining chopped parsley, and serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

12g

Carbohydrates

55g

Fat

18g

Fiber

5g