Ingredients
– 8 ounces whole grain shaped pasta
– 4 to 5 cups broccoli florets
– Zest and juice of half a medium lemon
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup nuts
– 3 to 4 cloves garlic
– 1/2 to 1 teaspoon coarse salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
1-Boil salted water in a medium pot and cook the 8 ounces of whole grain shaped pasta according to package instructions; then let the pasta cool.
2-In a food processor, combine the 4 to 5 cups of cooked and cooled broccoli florets, zest and juice of half a medium lemon, 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup nuts, 3 to 4 cloves garlic, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon coarse salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
3-Process on low speed, gradually adding 1/2 cup olive oil through the feed tube until the pesto reaches the desired consistency. Scrape the bowl sides as needed.
4-Taste and adjust seasoning if required, then refrigerate the pesto until ready to use (it can be prepared ahead while the pasta cools).
5-Toss the broccoli pesto with the cooled pasta until fully combined. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with fresh basil and Parmesan.
6-Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Last Step:
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๐ฅ For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta or pasta made from beans or lentils.
๐ฑ For dairy-free or vegan versions, omit Parmesan cheese and substitute with nutritional yeast.
๐ฐ For nut-free pesto, simply omit the nuts when making the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and blending
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 259
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 191 milligrams
- Fat: 16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 24 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 2 milligrams
