In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, add 1 pound of organic pork or chicken sausage, breaking it into pieces with a spatula. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through, seasoning with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. Remove from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.

In the same skillet, add ½ finely diced medium onion and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent. This step enhances the herby flavors of the Herby Spring Pasta Salad with Protein by capturing all those tasty bits left by the sausage. Once softened, return the cooked protein to the skillet and mix well.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add a box of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, allowing it to cool slightly. Preparing the pasta properly is key to achieving the perfect texture for your Herby Spring Pasta Salad with Protein.

Lower the heat to medium and in the same skillet, add 1 heaping tablespoon of minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons of pesto, ¾ cup of chicken bone broth, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 2 tablespoons of ghee. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened, creating a rich and creamy coating for your pasta salad.

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the cooked onion and protein mixture. Follow this by adding the drained pasta, 1¼ cups of frozen peas, juice from 1 lemon, ½ tablespoon of lemon zest, and 2 cups of finely chopped spinach. Stir until everything is well combined, making sure every piece of pasta is coated with the vibrant flavors of the Herby Spring Pasta Salad.

Sprinkle in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup of chopped chives, and 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill. Season the mixture with fresh cracked pepper and sea salt to taste. Gently stir everything together, allowing the freshness of the herbs and the richness of the cheese to meld beautifully in your Herby Spring Pasta Salad with Protein.

You can serve the pasta salad warm or allow it to cool to room temperature for a refreshing dish. For added flair, top with extra fresh dill and Parmesan before serving. The vibrant colors and aromas signal that your delicious Herby Spring Pasta Salad with Protein is ready to be enjoyed at any gathering or quick lunch!