Broccoli Pesto Pasta
A quick and filling pesto pasta recipe for the whole family! This is a great alternative to normal marinara sauce and your pesto can be stored and used for the next week. 
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 30 minutes
Active: 15 minutes
Makes: 6 servings
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Ingredients:
- 4 cups Broccoli Florets
 - 1 pound of your favorite pasta
 - 2 cups lightly packed basil leaves
 - 3 garlic cloves – smashed
 - ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts
 - 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
 - ½ teaspoon salt
 - 1 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese, plus extra for topping
 
It is also great topped with grilled chicken, so don’t be afraid to add some of that!
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil
 - Add broccoli to the boiling water and cook 3-4 mins until it is bright green (blanched)
 - Using a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to a bowl or blender
 - Return the pot to the heat and return to a boil. Add pasta to the water and cook until desired tenderness
 - Strain the pasta, but reserve 1-½ cups of the pasta water
 - Add the basil, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), olive oil, salt and parmesan to the blender with the broccoli and blend until smooth. Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, until desired sauce consistency forms, about 1 cup normally does it.
 - Mix with hot pasta, top with parmesan and serve!
 
ENJOY!