Description
This recipe offers a fresh and vibrant take on pesto pasta, featuring blanched broccoli, toasted walnuts, fresh basil, and lemon. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (any shape)
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain well.
- In a food processor, combine the blanched broccoli, toasted walnuts, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth pesto forms. If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Season the pesto with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to a large bowl. Pour the broccoli pesto over the pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a lemon wedge if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier pesto, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
- Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This pesto is also great as a spread for sandwiches or a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Food Processor
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg