Pesto pasta is the ultimate midweek comfort dinner. There’s something about that nutty, creamy, basil-y flavour that just hits different. But pesto can also be quite an expensive sauce to make (pine nuts don’t come cheap), and while it’s got lots of healthy fats and herb-based antioxidants, it’s often low on fibre.

This green pasta alternative, however, is like pesto… only better. Instead of basil and pine nuts, it uses courgettes and tahini to create a rich plant sauce. Tahini is a great source of copper (great for iron absorption), selenium (decreases inflammation) and phosphorus (involved in maintaining bone health). Sesame seeds, the main ingredient of tahini, have also been found to decrease high blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Courgettes, on the other hand, are rich in vitamin A and C, as well as carotenoids (antioxidants linked to better eye, skin and heart health). They’re also known to promote healthy digestion, thanks to its fibre and water content – so if you’re often constipated or bloated, this pasta dish could well help.

This creamy green pasta dish is like pesto, only with more gut-loving plants